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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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Joppa, IL
AARP Community Challenge Grant Year: 2021
Project Category: Park enhancements
Description: Joppa has one community park, which lacked accessibility features. With the help of volunteers, the Village of Joppa installed accessible seating, picnic tables, tire swings and belt swings and other amenities. Project organizers say they hope the upgrades allow people of all ages and abilities to enjoy the park.
Casco, ME
AARP Community Challenge Grant Year: 2025
Project Category: Park enhancements
Description: This project will upgrade the Mayberry Hill Preserve trail to make it accessible for older adults, young people, and families. The new 0.6-mile loop trail will feature ADA-compliant benches and a crushed gravel surface.
New Milford, CT
AARP Community Challenge Grant Year: 2018
Project Category: Park enhancements
Description: To create social opportunities for people of all ages, the Town of New Milford added benches and game top tables along the walkway to the Young's Field Park. Town employees installed the tables, which can host chess and checkers games. Project organizers say they hope the tables encourage intergenerational activities in the riverfront park. Today, teens from a New Milford High School after-school club use the table for regular games with players from the New Milford Senior Center.
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Marshall, NC
AARP Community Challenge Grant Year: 2024
Project Category: Park enhancements
Description: The county will install outdoor exercise equipment and create a community space geared toward older adult residents. The county currently has no gyms or fitness centers with adult exercise equipment.
Hendersonville, NC
AARP Community Challenge Grant Year: 2024
Project Category: Bikeability
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