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.

Harlan, IA

AARP Community Challenge Grant Year: 2019

Project Category: Park enhancements

Description: Harlan library staff wanted to encourage families with children to explore Pioneer Park. To draw people in, they created a Story Walk. The library purchased twenty displays to house pages of a storybook, which they placed along the park's walking path. With their grandparents and parents by their side, kids enjoy running from sign to sign to reach the next part of the story. To keep the experience fresh, library employees swap out new stories seasonally.

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.