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Buncombe County Recreation Services (2019) Print
2019 AARP Community Challenge Grantee
Project Category
Public places
└ Park enhancements
└ Park enhancements
After Buncombe County Recreation Services installed new instruments in Charles D. Owen Park -- including lily pad cymbals, a tenor tree, tuned drums and flower gongs -- park attendance increased nearly 20 percent in one year. The instruments, created by the Freenotes Harmony Park company, don't include sharps or flats and are designed to be played using arm and hand muscles rather than fingers. That way, people of all musical abilities can play them without training. More than 400 people also participated in three workshops focused on designing artistic tiles for the new space with themes of compassion, peace and diversity. The creation of the Real Possibilities musical garden sparked new projects, including the park's first TRACK Trail (self-guided, family-friendly outdoor adventures with prizes), enhanced sports courts and bird nest boxes that allow researchers to study tree swallows.
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Richlands, VA
AARP Community Challenge Grant Year: 2023
Project Category: Park enhancements
Description: Richlands had few accessible parks, leaving older adults and people with disabilities without safe spaces for fitness or social connection. The "Fit for Life" project added wheelchair-accessible swings, air walkers and benches to an underused park, while volunteers brightened the space with colorful features. Now, older adults can exercise, socialize and join community outings in a park designed for everyone. "I had the best day," said one visitor, capturing the joy and renewed sense of belonging this project brings. Plans for similar parks in other communities are already underway.
Project description was created using generative AI and then reviewed for accuracy.
Union City, GA
AARP Community Challenge Grant Year: 2023
Project Category: Park enhancements
Description: Christian City replaced a lost dog park to preserve a vital gathering space for older adults. The new park includes fenced areas with accessible entrances, benches and a shaded gazebo, creating a safe spot for exercise and social connection. Volunteers cleared the lot and helped prepare the site, and a ribbon-cutting marked its opening. Residents say the space eases loneliness and fosters friendships. One woman noted, "It's a wonderful welcoming gathering place" and has helped her make and enjoy new friendships.
Project description was created using generative AI and then reviewed for accuracy.
Chappell, NE
AARP Community Challenge Grant Year: 2023
Project Category: Park enhancements
Description: Chappell Lakes aging facilities made visits less safe and enjoyable for older adults. The city upgraded bathrooms with automatic fixtures, replaced rotted poles, added solar lights for night fishing and installed durable picnic tables under shelters. Volunteers pitched in to paint and assemble items. These improvements created a cleaner, safer space for daily recreation and gatherings. One resident mentioned how peaceful it is now to sit out and enjoy the night and enjoy time with neighbors.
Project description was created using generative AI and then reviewed for accuracy.
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Marshall, NC
AARP Community Challenge Grant Year: 2024
Project Category: Park enhancements
Description: With no gyms or adult fitness options, many older residents lacked safe ways to stay active, contributing to high rates of chronic disease. Madison County installed permanent outdoor equipment-including pull-downs, sky walkers and chin-up bars-at the health department campus. The space was introduced with a ribbon-cutting event. The equipment is in heavy use, encouraging healthier habits and family interaction. One resident said adding the low-impact machines to her routine helped her lose weight and improve health, calling the free access "convenient and life-changing."
Project description was created using generative AI and then reviewed for accuracy.
Hendersonville, NC
AARP Community Challenge Grant Year: 2024
Project Category: Bikeability
Description: With the highest pedestrian fatality rate among small towns in North Carolina, and a population that is more than half age 50-plus, Hendersonville faced urgent mobility challenges. To improve safety, the city installed 160 shared lane markings linking neighborhoods to downtown and the future Ecusta Trail. It also added two bike repair stations at key hubs and placed seven custom bike racks in high-traffic areas. These visible upgrades make biking safer and more convenient while encouraging active transportation. The project also spurred plans for a long-term bike parking strategy and updated bicycle plan. One resident said, "These amenities are fantastic additions to our city."
Project description was created using generative AI and then reviewed for accuracy.
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