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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.
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Chiloquin, OR
AARP Community Challenge Grant Year: 2023
Project Category: Park enhancements
Description: Downtown Chiloquin's entrance was marked by boarded-up buildings and a barren gravel lot, reinforcing economic decline and leaving residents without a welcoming public space. The city transformed the lot into a 900-square-foot pocket park with ADA-compliant benches and tables, shade structures, bike racks and planters. Volunteers, many age 50-plus, helped build and plant the space, creating a safe, accessible spot for social connection. Now families picnic, children do homework and farmers market visitors gather, signaling renewed community pride. The park complements broader revitalization efforts and will expand as road improvements and building restorations progress.
Valley City, ND
AARP Community Challenge Grant Year: 2025
Project Category: Park enhancements
Description: This project at the Wood Landing on the Sheyenne River Water Trail will provide a picnic and fishing area with an accessible kayak/canoe launch.
Delaware, OH
AARP Community Challenge Grant Year: 2022
Project Category: Park enhancements
Description: Unity Park lacked safe gathering spaces and fitness options for older adults in an underserved neighborhood. The project added accessible fitness stations, a shade structure and a programming fitness area on a cushioned surface. It also put in benches and safety lighting to make the space inviting. These improvements introduced older adult recreation and created a venue for health programs in partnership with local agencies. One resident said, "I appreciate that there are benches and equipment that are accessible to people of all ages." Plans for a loop trail and additional amenities will expand opportunities for active living.
Nearby AARP Community Challenge Projects
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."
South Charleston, WV
AARP Community Challenge Grant Year: 2024
Project Category: Digital Connectivity for Disasters
Description: Frequent disasters left older adults in West Virginia without reliable power or digital skills to access emergency resources. Heart+Hand equipped more than 300 residents with 72-hour emergency buckets and solar chargers to keep phones and medical devices powered during outages. Over 200 older adults learned to use tablets to find critical relief information, and tablets purchased for classes will sustain training long term. These efforts reduced anxiety, improved resilience and fostered community support through volunteer engagement.
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