AARP Hearing Center
AARP Livable Communities Map
Christian City Inc. (2023) Print
2023 AARP Community Challenge Grantee
Project Category
Public places
└ Park enhancements
└ Park enhancements
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.
Project description was created using generative AI and then reviewed for accuracy.
Photo Gallery
Image:
Click on a photo to learn more
See More Projects Like This One
Pollock Pines, CA
AARP Community Challenge Grant Year: 2022
Project Category: Park enhancements
Description: This project set out to create a park, where Pollock Pines residents can gather. Following community engagement efforts, organizers with Community Economic Development Association Pollock Pines decided to highlight local history through the greenspace's design, paying tribute to early settlers, the Old West, the Pony Express, wagon trains and the gold mining and logging industries. To give residents a place to exercise, they also incorporated fitness equipment specifically designed for older adults.
Cascade, MT
AARP Community Challenge Grant Year: 2020
Project Category: Park enhancements
Description: The Town of Cascade created an accessible picnic area in North Railroad Park, within walking distance of many local amenities. Town staff poured a concrete pad for the site, where they installed a walled seating area with two ADA-compliant picnic tables and a new flagpole. The local garden club lent a hand by filling at the site planters with flowers. Each year, the Town evaluates the accessibility of the projects it undertakes, and town leaders are committed to providing gathering spaces where residents of all abilities can gather.
Prineville, OR
AARP Community Challenge Grant Year: 2018
Project Category: Park enhancements
Description: When organizers with Crook County on the Move asked older adults what they would like to see in Ochoco Creek Park, they overwhelmingly asked for more places to sit along the park's 1.5-mile pathway. So to increase accessibility, the organization installed 12 park benches at 300 foot intervals along the walkway. Each bench has a 4-foot space surrounding it to accommodate wheelchair users and give people a space to park walkers and strollers. Organizers hope the benches inspire older adults and people with mobility challenges to visit the park and reap the benefits of outdoor exercise. Spurred by the success of this project, Crook County on the Move fundraised to install an additional 12 benches along the path. Organizers say they are now looking to install benches in other parks around Crook County.
Nearby AARP Community Challenge Projects
Union City, GA
AARP Community Challenge Grant Year: 2017
Project Category: Addressing community health
Description: Christian City, a 500-acre charitable campus near the Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport, provides housing and other support for people who are in need. The organization offers affordable housing older adults, as well as assisted living, skilled nursing and memory care. To encourage older people to lead healthier, more active lives, it operates a Senior Wellness program. The initiative also helps stave off social isolation, which cant contribute to physical and mental decline. This project added mile marker posts, a message board, side markers and signs identifying walking paths on the campus. In addition, Christian City provided residents with walkers with built-in pedometers. Following these improvements, the organization reported a 20 percent increase in participation in its walking program. Today, Christian city offers an array of other senior fitness activities, including Tai Chi and chair aerobics.
South Fulton, GA
AARP Community Challenge Grant Year: 2025
Project Category: HomeFit Modifications
Description: Many older adults with mobility limitations were living with hidden fall risks at home, often adapting with unsafe workarounds because they lacked information or support. Facts to Thrive addressed this gap by hosting hands-on workshops that demonstrated practical home modifications and encouraged open conversations about safety. Participants received raised toilet seats and slip-and-fall prevention items. Staff used these visits to identify additional repair needs inside the home. These assessments revealed broader challenges, leading to follow-on support for grab bars, steps and other fixes. The workshops also helped reduce stigma, making it easier for participants to admit concerns and take action earlier. One participant recovering from surgery had been using a portable setup over her toilet; after a raised seat with handles was installed, she cried with relief. Her reaction reflected how small, targeted changes helped older adults remain independent and safer at home.
Project description was created using generative AI and then reviewed for accuracy.
LEARN MORE AND STAY INFORMED
Find articles and resources about making communities more livable for people of all ages
Download or order free publications from AARP Livable Communities
Sign up for the free, weekly, award-winning AARP Livable Communities eNewsletter
Don't see your community listed?
LEARN HOW IT CAN JOIN THE NETWORKConnect with your AARP State Office
AARP has offices in all 50 states as well as in the District of Columbia, Puerto Rico and the U.S. Virgin Islands.
AARP Georgia State Office
999 Peachtree Street NE
Suite 1110
Atlanta, GA 30309
United States