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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
Rolling Hills, WY
AARP Community Challenge Grant Year: 2026
Project Category: Park enhancements
Description: Two shaded, accessible picnic tables will be installed at the community dog park. The seating will provide residents, especially older adults, with a comfortable place to rest, gather and enjoy outdoor activities.
Sidney, MT
AARP Community Challenge Grant Year: 2026
Project Category: Park enhancements
Description: ADA benches, picnic tables and sidewalk upgrades will be installed in Veterans Park downtown. These changes will give residents age 50-plus safe places to sit, gather and participate in family events.
Clear Lake, SD
AARP Community Challenge Grant Year: 2023
Project Category: Park enhancements
Description: Clear Lakes main park lacked safe seating and drinking water, making it hard for older adults to watch games comfortably. The project installed two ADA-compliant benches with shaded canopies and a chilled water bottle filling station at Lavin Field, along with signage and supporting infrastructure. These upgrades provide lasting amenities for hydration and secure seating, reducing fall risks and promoting wellness. A resident noted she could now enjoy practices without climbing bleachers. Future plans include ribbon-cutting events and exploring similar improvements at other parks.
Project description was created using generative AI and then reviewed for accuracy.
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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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