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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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Milwaukee, WI
AARP Community Challenge Grant Year: 2025
Project Category: Park enhancements
Description: Mujeres con Poder addressed barriers that made Kozy Park difficult to use for everyday activities, especially for older adults who needed places to rest and feel safe staying longer. Limited seating and unclear safety information meant some residents shortened visits or avoided the park, despite its role as a neighborhood gathering space. The project added benches and safety and wellness signage and paired these upgrades with community walks and planning sessions centered on resident input. The changes had an immediate effect. One grandmother shared that a bench near the playground now allows her to bring her grandson more often because she can sit in the shade while he plays. Together, these improvements supported more consistent park use and strengthened ongoing collaboration around safety and reducing isolation for older adults.
Project description was created using generative AI and then reviewed for accuracy.
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.
Bridgewater, VA
AARP Community Challenge Grant Year: 2026
Project Category: Park enhancements
Description: Two outdoor water bottle fillers with ADA accessible fountains and pet bowls will be installed at a popular town park. These additions will help park users stay hydrated and spend more time outdoors.
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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."
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