Charleston, WV

AARP Community Challenge Grant Year: 2020

Project Category: Park enhancements

Description: 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.

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.

Yankton, SD

AARP Community Challenge Grant Year: 2020

Project Category: Park enhancements

Description: To invite young children and their caregivers to explore Westside Park, the City of Yankton Department of Parks and Recreation created its Born Learning Trail. The City installed a concrete trail in the park and installed signs in English and Spanish along the path. Each sign features activities meant to build language and thinking skills fundamental to child development. To give families a place to rest, project organizers installed picnic tables and benches. The City also commissioned seven local artists to decorate the trail's pavement with artwork related to the activities.