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City of Stamps (2020) Print
2020 AARP Community Challenge Grantee
Project Category
Public places
└ Park enhancements
└ Park enhancements
A lack of accessible restrooms made Maya Angelou Park unwelcoming to older adults, people with disabilities and families with young children. To address this, the City of Stamps made several accessibility upgrades, including installing concrete sidewalks, new doors, hardware and handrails. The park, named for the late author, poet, and activist who grew up in Stamps, is located along the banks of Lake June.
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Frankfort, IN
AARP Community Challenge Grant Year: 2024
Project Category: Park enhancements
Description: Older adults had no safe outdoor walking option and were forced to loop around a busy parking lot. CORE created a full-loop path with lighting, landscaping and benches for rest stops, plus trash and dog waste stations to keep the area clean. The new path offers a secure, scenic space for walking and biking, encouraging physical activity and social connection. Residents praised the project as a positive use of land that benefits people of all ages and look forward to spending more time outdoors.
Project description was created using generative AI and then reviewed for accuracy.
Anchorage, AK
AARP Community Challenge Grant Year: 2022
Project Category: Park enhancements
Description: Part of larger efforts to create its Sea Services Memorial Park, this project created an accessible plaza on the waterfront. The memorial is located at the USS Anchorage anchor site to honor two ships of that name, as well as the Navy's role in Dutch Harbor during World War II. Organizers worked to landscape the site and add seating. Additionally, they installed storyboards, which describe the ships' history and the local significance of the Sea Services. The park showcases the USS Anchorage's newly restored anchor, which weighs 22,500 pounds. Organizers say the gathering space is especially important for veterans, who make up a large share of Alaska's population.
Randolph, VT
AARP Community Challenge Grant Year: 2020
Project Category: Park enhancements
Description: To give residents the opportunity to express themselves and connect with each other, Sunrise Rotary Club installed outdoor musical instruments near the town's recreational field. The new Harmony Park features chimes, drums, a xylophone, Imbarimbas and a harp. The Club also added benches to the space, along with a welcome sign informing visitors about the instruments.
Nearby AARP Community Challenge Projects
El Dorado, AR
AARP Community Challenge Grant Year: 2024
Project Category: Digital navigation skills
Description: Union County's digital divide left many older adults without internet access or basic tech skills, limiting their ability to bank online or connect with family. SouthArk launched SouthArk Connections, hosting six classes on computer basics, cybersecurity and financial literacy, and provided laptops for use beyond class time. Specialized sessions supported veterans and people with disabilities. Participants gained confidence and reduced isolation, with partnerships ensuring ongoing classes and outreach. One attendee said, "This class has helped me feel more comfortable with computers...I'm so thankful for this class and our wonderful instructor."
Project description was created using generative AI and then reviewed for accuracy.
Minden, LA
AARP Community Challenge Grant Year: 2023
Project Category: Park enhancements
Description: Louisiana's intense summer heat left Dixie Inn's park nearly empty, limiting outdoor activity and social connection. To make the space usable, the village installed shade sails over benches, creating cool, sheltered spots that also offer protection from light rain. Volunteers helped with installation, and the sails were placed to maximize comfort. The change has drawn more residents, including older adults, to walk, rest and visit. "I walk the neighborhood for exercise and am pleased to have the sails to sit under and rest," said one resident.
Project description was created using generative AI and then reviewed for accuracy.
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