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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.
Chiloquin, OR
AARP Community Challenge Grant Year: 2023
Project Category: Park enhancements
Description: Downtown Chiloquin's entrance was marked by boarded-up buildings and a barren gravel lot, reinforcing economic decline and leaving residents without a welcoming public space. The city transformed the lot into a 900-square-foot pocket park with ADA-compliant benches and tables, shade structures, bike racks and planters. Volunteers, many age 50-plus, helped build and plant the space, creating a safe, accessible spot for social connection. Now families picnic, children do homework and farmers market visitors gather, signaling renewed community pride. The park complements broader revitalization efforts and will expand as road improvements and building restorations progress.
Anchorage, AK
AARP Community Challenge Grant Year: 2021
Project Category: Park enhancements
Description: Folker Park is a 2-acre urban forest located within the city of Anchorage. The park is adjacent to intergenerational living facilities and in the past was used by people of all ages. However, many of the park's volunteer caretakers have stopped routine maintenance, leaving many areas overgrown and essentially unusable. To improve the park, the Anchorage Park Foundation installed six outdoor musical instruments, a reflexology footpath, a healing maze and age-accessible fitness equipment. They also gathered volunteers to weed garden beds, pick up trash and plant flowers. Today, the park a central hub for the community once again, and a source of pride for residents.
Nearby AARP Community Challenge Projects
Ada County, ID
AARP Community Challenge Grant Year: 2021
Project Category: Expansion and enhancement of transportation options
Description: Ada County lacks transportation options for many of its residents. To help local employers provide transportation for their employees, the Ada County Highway Department expanded its Commuteride program, which provides grants to small organizations and businesses -- many of whom are nonprofits or working directly with underserved populations -- to provide facility or mobility enhancements. The program provided shared bikes, bike racks, employee transit passes, bike repair stations, bike helmets, telework resources and breakroom amenities such as lockers and showers.
Boise, ID
AARP Community Challenge Grant Year: 2023
Project Category: Supporting family caregivers
Description: Adapted Builds tackled the challenge of limited resources for caregivers and older adults living with disabilities by creating free instructional videos. One guides viewers through making homes ADA compliant, while the other offers strategies for balancing caregiving responsibilities. These step-by-step tools aim to improve safety and efficiency, reducing stress for families. Professionals interviewed during development praised the effort, noting how difficult it is for caregivers to find reliable, practical solutions.
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