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.

Lexington, KY

AARP Community Challenge Grant Year: 2017

Project Category: Park enhancements

Description: To give residents a comfortable space to hold a conversation, the Lexington Senior Center installed new accessible benches and raised planters in Idle Hour Park. Guided by a physical therapy student's research, which showed many people are uncomfortable twisting to converse with someone seated beside them, the benches sit in a U shape. This placement allows people to choose whether to sit next to or across from one another. Each seating area also includes extra space for a wheelchair user to join in.

Searchlight Township, NV

AARP Community Challenge Grant Year: 2021

Project Category: Park enhancements

Description: As part of long-term efforts to improve Rex Bell, Jr. Trails Park, the Searchlight Betterment Organization installed a bocce ball court onsite. The courts are open to the public four days a week and participants can check out game sets to use for free. Project organizers say the courts have helped combat social isolation, especially during the COVID-19 pandemic. Since construction completed, the site has offered lessons on the rules of bocce ball, and volunteers have stepped in to coordinate local player groups for adults and children