See More Projects Like This One

Union City, GA

AARP Community Challenge Grant Year: 2023

Project Category: Park enhancements

Description: Christian City replaced a lost dog park to preserve a vital gathering space for older adults. The new park includes fenced areas with accessible entrances, benches and a shaded gazebo, creating a safe spot for exercise and social connection. Volunteers cleared the lot and helped prepare the site, and a ribbon-cutting marked its opening. Residents say the space eases loneliness and fosters friendships. One woman noted, "It's a wonderful welcoming gathering place" and has helped her make and enjoy new friendships.

Angola, IN

AARP Community Challenge Grant Year: 2024

Project Category: Park enhancements

Description: Downtown Angola lacked accessible seating during events like Food Truck Fridays, limiting participation for older adults and people with mobility challenges. The project installed wheelchair-accessible picnic tables on permanent concrete pads in the community green space, creating a safe and inclusive environment. Volunteers helped with assembly, and branded plates were added to highlight the initiative. The tables now provide a lasting solution for social connection and comfort. One attendee said the new seating made events "less complicated" for her and her son, allowing them to simply come and enjoy the space.

New Milford, CT

AARP Community Challenge Grant Year: 2018

Project Category: Park enhancements

Description: To create social opportunities for people of all ages, the Town of New Milford added benches and game top tables along the walkway to the Young's Field Park. Town employees installed the tables, which can host chess and checkers games. Project organizers say they hope the tables encourage intergenerational activities in the riverfront park. Today, teens from a New Milford High School after-school club use the table for regular games with players from the New Milford Senior Center.

Nearby AARP Community Challenge Projects

Graettinger, IA

AARP Community Challenge Grant Year: 2023

Project Category: Park enhancements

Description: Graettinger lacked safe, low-impact fitness options for older adults in its rural community. To address this, the city installed two pickleball courts with fencing, nets and benches, and added a paved sidewalk linking the courts to the playground and walking trail. Volunteers cleared the site, and older adults began hosting daily meetups to teach pickleball. These improvements created a social hub and accessible exercise space, helping residents stay active and connected with family and neighbors for years to come.

LEARN MORE AND STAY INFORMED

Find articles and resources about making communities more livable for people of all ages

people icon

Download or order free publications from AARP Livable Communities

download icon

Sign up for the free, weekly, award-winning AARP Livable Communities eNewsletter

mail icon

Don't see your community listed?

LEARN HOW IT CAN JOIN THE NETWORK

Connect 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 Iowa State Office

600 E. Court Avenue
Suite 100
Des Moines, IA 50309
United States

Phone: 866-554-5378
Fax: 515-244-7767
Email: [email protected]