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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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See More Projects Like This One
Chautauqua, NY
AARP Community Challenge Grant Year: 2022
Project Category: Park enhancements
Description: Residents in a rural area lacked affordable outdoor recreation, and few public pickleball courts existed despite the sport's benefits for fitness and mental health. The project built two courts at the Chautauqua Tennis Center, without fees, and launched with a ribbon-cutting and popular classes that drew participants of all ages. The courts now serve as a hub for active play and social connection, especially for older adults, and have sparked plans for future expansion.
Project description was created using generative AI and then reviewed for accuracy.
Devils Lake, ND
AARP Community Challenge Grant Year: 2022
Project Category: Park enhancements
Description: Devils Lake Park District created an urban fishing pond in Ruger Park to give older adults and other residents safe, easy access to a favorite pastime. The project dredged the pond, installed a handicap-accessible fishing pier and added signage, creating a spot near walking paths and assisted living facilities. The pond now offers a convenient place for fishing and social interaction. "So awesome that the kids can ride their bikes up to fish whenever they want now," said one resident, reflecting the project's impact on community access.
Project description was created using generative AI and then reviewed for accuracy.
Augusta, GA
AARP Community Challenge Grant Year: 2018
Project Category: Park enhancements
Description: Organizers with the Augusta Recreation and Parks Department noticed people were driving their vehicles into Henry H. Brigham Park, making park users feel unsafe. This project set out to prevent this, keeping a walking track, basketball court and playground area free from cars and trucks. The Department installed bollards, as well as benches -- which served the dual purpose of giving park patrons a place to rest. Additionally, organizers planted shade trees to make the park more appealing in the summer heat. To draw visitors, the Department also worked to increase recreational programming in the park, including Tai Chi classes.
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.
Project description was created using generative AI and then reviewed for accuracy.
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