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Bolton Senior Center (2022) Print
2022 AARP Community Challenge Grantee
Project Category
Public places
└ Park enhancements
└ Park enhancements
An underused outdoor area with worn furniture limited opportunities for socializing and fitness. The center installed a pickleball court, added benches and upgraded the patio with accessible tables and chairs. Raised garden beds and a refreshed storage shed completed the transformation. The space now supports active living and community gatherings. "Wow, look at that! It looks amazing," said one resident during a local event, reflecting excitement about the new amenities and plans for expanded programming.
Project description was created using generative AI and then reviewed for accuracy.
Project description was created using generative AI and then reviewed for accuracy.
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Lillian, AL
AARP Community Challenge Grant Year: 2025
Project Category: Park enhancements
Description: Lillian Recreational Park sought to address chronic loneliness among older adults who lacked inviting places to gather and build steady social ties. It converted an unused porch into a space with comfortable seating, fans, heaters, murals and game tables. It then launched bingo, Mahjong, walking sessions and other events shaped by a volunteer committee. These additions gave residents a casual place to meet new people and stay active. One visitor said she loves how the porch became "an inviting, comfortable and inclusive spot... a great meeting space." Early turnout shows it offers a dependable way for people to stay connected.
Project description was created using generative AI and then reviewed for accuracy.
Nottingham, NH
AARP Community Challenge Grant Year: 2026
Project Category: Park enhancements
Description: Outdoor basketball, pickleball and tennis courts will be built to provide low-impact exercise and social opportunities. The courts will give older adults and other residents a nearby place to stay active and gather outdoors.
Hattiesburg, MS
AARP Community Challenge Grant Year: 2021
Project Category: Park enhancements
Description: Duncan Lake Park in Hattiesburg's East Jerusalem neighborhood is popular with residents, yet many of the park's amenities were in disrepair. To give the park new life, Hattiesburg Landmark Preservation refurbished picnic tables with new tops featuring painted checkerboards. They also installed new benches, added a wheelchair-accessible sidewalk and created two murals depicting native plants and animals. Today, the park hosts free arts programming for residents of all ages.
Nearby AARP Community Challenge Projects
Vernon, CT
AARP Community Challenge Grant Year: 2024
Project Category: Community Gardens
Description: A vacant courtyard at the Senior Center offered little value while older adults had limited access to fresh produce and social engagement. The project transformed the space with eight raised garden beds, trellises and an accessible walkway. About 15 volunteers planned and maintain the gardens, which will supply vegetables for meals and share extras with members and local shelters. Participants expressed excitement about gardening again, anticipating healthier meals and renewed opportunities for connection and activity.
Project description was created using generative AI and then reviewed for accuracy.
Manchester, CT
AARP Community Challenge Grant Year: 2024
Project Category: Community Gardens
Description: To combat food insecurity and isolation, the organization transformed its property into a welcoming outdoor space with raised garden beds and picnic tables. Volunteers maintained the gardens, which yielded tomatoes, peppers, eggplant, okra, watermelon and herbs for free distribution. A ribbon-cutting event marked the opening, and older adults embraced the space as a place to share meals and conversation. The project not only provided fresh produce to improve nutrition, but also fostered inclusion and strengthened community ties. It has created a vibrant setting that will expand in future seasons.
Project description was created using generative AI and then reviewed for accuracy.
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