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CityWide Neighborhood Development Corporation (2020) Print
2020 AARP Community Challenge Grantee
Project Category
Public places
└ Park enhancements
└ Park enhancements
CityWide transformed a vacant lot into a new, more inviting entrance to Welcome Park in Dayton's Carillon neighborhood. The organization cleared overgrowth and dead trees from the site, replaced fencing and installed new informational signs. To give visitors a spot to rest, they placed benches along the park's walking path. CityWide also widened the entrance to conform to Americans with Disabilities Act accessibility standards. Throughout the project, CityWide gathered feedback and ideas from residents. A community-led branding effort informed the design of the park's new sign, as well as a dedication plaque honoring a local advocate. Project organizers say they hope this project serves as a model for meaningful community engagement as the community plans for future park improvements.
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See More Projects Like This One
Rochester Hills, MI
AARP Community Challenge Grant Year: 2018
Project Category: Park enhancements
Description: This grant set out to create an intergenerational exercise space in Bloomer Park. Equipment for the space includes apparatuses for building core muscles, improving posture and working the upper and lower body. Additionally, the space features a water fountain and benches.
Cosmopolis, WA
AARP Community Challenge Grant Year: 2022
Project Category: Park enhancements
Description: Highland Park had fallen into disrepair, leaving older adults without a safe place to gather or exercise. The project transformed the park with paved walkways and parking, a covered communal area with ADA ramps, and new benches and picnic tables. It added an accessible playground, fitness stations and a pickleball/basketball court designed for all ages. The revitalized park now hosts events that foster connection. One longtime resident said, "I just love this park... I have never seen so many people using it."
Fort Wayne, IN
AARP Community Challenge Grant Year: 2019
Project Category: Park enhancements
Description: Bridge of Grace Ministries set out to make the underserved Mount Vernon Park neighborhood safe, walkable and accessible for all. Their effort included physical improvements, including updated landscaping, new porch swings and banners promoting their work. They also conducted a storytelling project, inviting Mount Vernon Park residents to gather and share their personal histories and experiences. Volunteers videotaped the event and featured the stories on YouTube. Participants in the storytelling events reported a profound sense of connection with neighbors and the community.
Nearby AARP Community Challenge Projects
Dayton, OH
AARP Community Challenge Grant Year: 2024
Project Category: Public space activation
Description: This project will transform four vacant lots into a recreational space for older adults. Amenities will include a walking path, tables, benches and a shelter house.
Kettering, OH
AARP Community Challenge Grant Year: 2025
Project Category: Bike Audits
Description: The project will conduct four bike audits, focusing on access for people age 50 or over to key destinations. Two community meetings will discuss the results with residents and city officials to guide future planning.
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