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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
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.
Frederick, MD
AARP Community Challenge Grant Year: 2024
Project Category: Park enhancements
Description: Falls are a leading cause of injury for older adults, yet Monocacy Village Park offered few ways to build balance and confidence. The city installed Kompan's Surface Challenge in the new SeniorScapes park, giving residents a safe space to practice walking on varied surfaces and improve stability. Older adults tested the equipment during a trial and learned about its benefits at a resource fair attended by hundreds. The permanent installation will anchor the park's grand opening and inspire similar projects, promoting mobility and social engagement for years to come.
Project description was created using generative AI and then reviewed for accuracy.
Omaha, NE
AARP Community Challenge Grant Year: 2022
Project Category: Park enhancements
Description: As part of efforts to revitalize a vacant building in Upland Park, this project made accessibility upgrades nearby. Project organizers installed a new walking path and accessible seating onsite. To beautify the space, volunteers worked to create public art. Additionally, this project replaced temporary garden beds with permanent raised-bed planters, which allow people to garden without having to squat down -- making the activity possible for people of all ages and abilities.
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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