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
Kingston, NY
AARP Community Challenge Grant Year: 2019
Project Category: Park enhancements
Description: The City of Kingston installed two chess tables with seating at its waterfront T.R. Gallo Wes Strand Park. Dubbed a chess playground, the facilities are meant to allow people of all generations to play chess or checkers. In addition to tables and benches, the City added an accessible, concrete sidewalk and improved landscaping onsite. With the arrival of the COVID-19 pandemic, the new tables gave residents a safe, outdoor space to gather.
Tulsa, OK
AARP Community Challenge Grant Year: 2025
Project Category: Park enhancements
Description: Tulsa Route 66 Main Street worked to restore a neglected park where older adults had no safe place to walk or gather. The group installed a new chat trail at Howard Park and cleared the area so residents could move comfortably and view nearby monuments. A ribbon cutting drew local interest and volunteers helped complete the work while Main Street continued plans for added lighting, bicycle stations and a roadside attraction. Residents shared memories of the park and said they were glad to see it cared for again. The project marks the first step toward bringing new life to a historic space and giving older adults a safe outdoor place to use regularly.
Project description was created using generative AI and then reviewed for accuracy.
Royal Oak, MI
AARP Community Challenge Grant Year: 2024
Project Category: Park enhancements
Description: Older adults and people with disabilities struggled to enjoy outdoor spaces at the Senior Center because benches and tables were unsafe and inaccessible. The city replaced them with ADA-compliant picnic tables and benches on hard-surface paths, creating safe spots for socializing and respite near the arboretum. These upgrades complement major park investments and encourage older adults to gather outdoors and participate in programs. A spring Arbor Day event will showcase the improvements, reinforcing long-term plans for inclusive public spaces.
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