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Carlin Historical Society (2020) Print
2020 AARP Community Challenge Grantee
Project Category
Transportation
└ Improved wayfinding
└ Improved wayfinding
Carlin -- one of the oldest communities in Elko County -- has suffered economically with the decline of the Southern Pacific Railroad. To preserve its history and attract tourists to town, the Carlin Historical Society installed wayfinding signs promoting its local history museum. The signs sit on two streets in the center of town, as well as at an offramp from Interstate 80. Installation of the signs comes after years of investment into the museum building itself, including repairs to bring the structure up to code and installation of two new museum exhibits.
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Sheboygan, WI
AARP Community Challenge Grant Year: 2019
Project Category: Improved wayfinding
Description: The City of Sheboygan augmented its downtown historical walking tour by creating a mobile app to teach residents and tourists about the city's heritage. The app was based on StriveOn, a platform designed to tell stories about local places. Additionally, the City installed signs and created printed paper maps for people who don't use smartphones or computers. The effort involved local businesses -- and their unique buildings -- in the tour. Project organizers hope the walking tour gets people interested in historical preservation and increases opportunities for physical activity.
Kokomo, IN
AARP Community Challenge Grant Year: 2017
Project Category: Improved wayfinding
Description: To encourage residents to be more physically active, the YMCA in Kokomo raised their awareness of county trails, parks and other recreational amenities. The YMCA created signs for the city's trolley stops and for its Walk of Excellence Trail. The signs communicate the distance, direction and walking time to local attractions, including parks, the Kokomo Municipal Stadium and the Kokomo Beach Family Aquatic Center. They also provide information about accessibility for people with disabilities. The project gave the YMCA an opportunity to partner with local stakeholders, such as the city's parks and recreation department and the Indiana University Design Center. Since this effort, the city of Kokomo has continued to promote biking. In 2018, the city launched a free bikesharing program that provides adults and children with bikes, as well as helmets and locks.
Belchertown, MA
AARP Community Challenge Grant Year: 2019
Project Category: Improved wayfinding
Description: Located near schools and an assisted living community, the Lake Wallace Sensory Trail is designed to welcome trail users of all abilities, including those with limited mobility or sensory issues. The rope-guided trail with Braille markers -- one of four in the state -- serves as a model for future accessible projects. This project added new tactile signs in Braille. Another feature gives visitors the option to lower the new trailhead kiosk to wheelchair height for easy access. Signage along the trail points out intersections, resting spots and information about lake ecology and the site's history. Part of the Belchertown Heritage Trails network, the sensory trail has since attracted more additional and community involvement.
Nearby AARP Community Challenge Projects
Winnemucca, NV
AARP Community Challenge Grant Year: 2021
Project Category: Community Gardens
Description: A large community garden in one of Winnemucca's parks had fallen into disrepair. But organizers with Age- and Dementia-Friendly Winnemucca saw the space's potential and set out to revitalize the community space. Organizers wanted to make the garden accessible, allowing people with mobility issues to garden while seated, or simply observe others while they work. To achieve this, they installed hip-height raised garden beds onsite. Additionally, they laid down pavers to create smooth surface suitable for people using wheelchairs and walkers. New benches completed the transformation, giving visitors a comfortable space to rest. To ensure the garden remains well cared for, the age-friendly initiative also purchased a weedwhacker for the site, along with a drip irrigation system. Organizers say the project's success inspired local leaders to consider other ways to improve the park.
Winnemucca, NV
AARP Community Challenge Grant Year: 2018
Project Category: Park enhancements
Description: Part of larger efforts to develop a new park in Winnemucca's Whitworth Recreation Complex, the local age-friendly initiative County set out to provide residents with outdoor exercise options. They created a paved walking trail, which features exercise stations. Organizers prioritized accessibility, ensuring the path's surface was navigable for people using wheelchairs and walkers. Additionally, local organizations added seating and a bus stop onsite. Already home to a playground, splash pad and picnic area, the recreation center supports community health for residents of all ages.
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