Camp Verde, AZ

AARP Community Challenge Grant Year: 2021

Project Category: Accessibility of amenities

Description: After a resident complained to the mayor that she couldn't walk the 1.6-mile trail circling Camp Verde's new multi-use park and outdoor sports complex without a spot to rest, project organizers set out to add amenities to make the path more accessible. The Camp Verde Parks and Recreation Department added eight benches along the trail, placing each bench in areas popular with older adults. The local Old Guys volunteer group, which brings together retired residents with construction expertise to do community improvement projects, did the installation. As construction continues on the sports complex, project organizers say they will look for additional places to offer seating, ensuring the facilities can welcome people of all ages and abilities.

Londonderry, NH

AARP Community Challenge Grant Year: 2019

Project Category: Accessibility of amenities

Description: To increase accessibility in its public spaces, the Town of Londonderry installed ten park benches in the Town Common and adjacent Kent Allen Town Forest. This accessibility upgrade sparked additional work there, including drainage improvements and the addition of native plants to the forest. In addition, the local Girl Scout troop installed a story book trail at the site. Since adding the benches, the town has also seen increased trail usage.

Tampa, FL

AARP Community Challenge Grant Year: 2022

Project Category: Accessibility of amenities

Description: Carrollwood Cultural Center hoped to allow more people to enjoy its theatrical, dance and art programming. To make its offerings more accessible, the Center installed an assistive-listening system and hired audio describers. Additionally, they invited the Blind Visionaries multimedia group to perform. To further welcome blind and low-vision arts lovers, they also staged a tactile and audible art exhibit onsite.