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City of Tallahassee (2019) Print
2019 AARP Community Challenge Grantee
Project Category
Public places
└ Park enhancements
└ Park enhancements
Following a year-long planning process, the City of Tallahassee constructed a linear park in its Greater Bond neighborhood. The park includes a walking trail stretching from Speed Spencer Stephens Park on the east side of the city to the St. Marks Trail to the west. Originally a drainage easement, the site once had an open ditch running through it. To ensure the new park's accessibility, the City installed a bench swing and a wheelchair-accessible drinking fountain with a water bottle filler. Designed as a community gathering space, project organizers hope the linear park acts as a catalyst for neighborhood revitalization.
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See More Projects Like This One
Newton, KS
AARP Community Challenge Grant Year: 2022
Project Category: Park enhancements
Description: Newton lacked safe green space near its industrial corridor, limiting recreation and nature access for older adults and nearby residents. The alliance converted an unused parcel into a wetland park with walkways, benches, educational signage and birding-by-ear features for visitors with low vision. Volunteers age 50-plus helped collect native seeds, and solar lighting improved safety. The park now offers legal access to a popular birding site and is expected to serve as an outdoor classroom. "Time spent in nature has been shown to reduce incidents of chronic disease... as well as improving mental health," said a local health leader.
Project description was created using generative AI and then reviewed for accuracy.
Anchorage, AK
AARP Community Challenge Grant Year: 2023
Project Category: Park enhancements
Description: Special Olympics Alaska expanded its outdoor space to give older adults more ways to stay active and connected. The project added three turf bocce courts, ADA-compliant benches and picnic tables, shade umbrellas and a water refill station. These upgrades created a safe, welcoming environment for recreation and social engagement. Participation in bocce doubled, and one athlete noted the improvements made the courts safe for his walker and that the benches "made it feel inclusive and welcoming."
Project description was created using generative AI and then reviewed for accuracy.
East Providence, RI
AARP Community Challenge Grant Year: 2018
Project Category: Park enhancements
Description: The City of East Providence set out to support intergenerational activities in a dense residential neighborhood. To achieve this, they made improvements to a park frequented by residents of all ages. The City installed benches, ADA-accessible picnic tables and game tables in Central Avenue Park. The improvements allow grandparents to sit and watch their grandchildren play in the park's splash pad, older adults to engage youth in a game of checkers or chess and families to enjoy a picnic together. Organizers say the project helped East Providence realize the final elements of their recently completed parks master plan.
Nearby AARP Community Challenge Projects
Tallahassee, FL
AARP Community Challenge Grant Year: 2026
Project Category: Public space activation
Description: Youth will record oral histories from elders and install a public Story Bench with QR codes in a neighborhood park. Visitors will listen to local stories while building intergenerational connections and preserving community history.
Tallahassee, FL
AARP Community Challenge Grant Year: 2024
Project Category: Public or private transit access
Description: Many older adults lacked confidence to use public transit, limiting independence and access to daily needs. The Ride Ready program launched with branded materials, mailed brochures to 1,750 older adults and created an interactive website. It also hosted group trainings, including a Try Transit Tuesday event with field trips. Free bus passes encouraged participation, which surged to 1,150 people in six months. One trainer noted, "People are always so surprised and enthusiastic when they find out StarMetro offers free travel training services," reflecting growing confidence among older riders.
Project description was created using generative AI and then reviewed for accuracy.
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