AARP Hearing Center
AARP Livable Communities Map
City of Charleston (2020) Print
2020 AARP Community Challenge Grantee
Project Category
Public places
└ Park enhancements
└ Park enhancements
This project upgraded Charleston's East End Dog Park to make it usable for pet owners of all ages. The City planted trees, installed shade structures and added seating. They also made repairs to the park's water source and planted grass. In addition, City workers fenced off a section of the dog park specifically for smaller dogs, keeping them separate from larger breeds that can intimidate them.
Photo Gallery
Image:
Click on a photo to learn more
See More Projects Like This One
Keiser, AR
AARP Community Challenge Grant Year: 2024
Project Category: Park enhancements
Description: Keiser City Park lacked safe, age-friendly spaces, leaving older adults with few options for exercise and social connection. The project introduced a Senior Area with outdoor fitness equipment, shaded seating and picnic tables, all linked to a new walking trail. These upgrades encourage movement and socialization in a welcoming environment. Early use shows strong community interest, with older residents noting the area's popularity as a sign of success. One organizer mentioned that is was great to see so many people out here utilizing the park. The space is expected to reduce isolation and promote active aging for years to come.
Project description was created using generative AI and then reviewed for accuracy.
Rexburg, ID
AARP Community Challenge Grant Year: 2026
Project Category: Park enhancements
Description: Damaged sections of asphalt walking paths will be repaired throughout a busy community park. Smoother surfaces will reduce tripping risks and help older adults travel safely year round.
Lihue, HI
AARP Community Challenge Grant Year: 2025
Project Category: Park enhancements
Description: Kauai Senior Citizens Softball Association addressed safety risks at shared county ballparks where worn surfaces, damaged fencing and aging facilities put older adult players at risk. With the limited public resources prioritized elsewhere, volunteer teams stepped in to make the fields safer. The association coordinated repairs at three parks, painting dugouts and scorer booths, fixing fencing and improving infield surfaces at home plate and bases. Materials were secured for permanent safety upgrades that support regular play. The work reduced tripping hazards and improved field conditions for older adult leagues while strengthening collaboration with youth associations that also use the parks. These partnerships set the stage for continued upkeep and safer shared use across seasons, helping players stay active and engaged in a setting that depends on safe, playable fields.
Project description was created using generative AI and then reviewed for accuracy.
Nearby AARP Community Challenge Projects
Charleston, WV
AARP Community Challenge Grant Year: 2026
Project Category: Digital Connections Other
Description: Capitol Market will install secure, building-wide Wi-Fi throughout its historic public market to support vendors and visitors. Reliable access will help people make digital payments, manage sales and stay connected while at the market.
Charleston, WV
AARP Community Challenge Grant Year: 2017
Project Category: Innovative home maintenance, repair and support services
Description: This project assisted low-income older adults with home repairs and maintenance, allowing them to safely age in place in their homes. Faith in Action's Honey Do Crews preformed a variety of tasks for older adults in Kanawha and Putnam Counties, from changing lightbulbs to repainting porches. In total, grant funds supported 16 projects. One participant was living in a home with a flimsy, glass patio door installed where a proper front door should have been. To lock the door, she would insert a broom handle across the doorway. Faith in Action purchased a new door with a deadbolt and a volunteer installed it. "I feel like I've been released from prison," the homeowner said. "I love my new door."
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 West Virginia State Office
300 Summers Street
Suite 400
Charleston, WV 25301
United States