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Claymont Community Center (2018) Print
2018 AARP Community Challenge Grantee
Project Category
Public places
└ Accessibility of amenities
└ Accessibility of amenities
To allow people of all ages and abilities to walk for exercise, the Claymont Community Center added an outdoor walking path and ramp to its facilities. The new, ADA-accessible walkway leads from the Center's building to its track and fields. Organizers say the pathway will allow more older adults to attend sporting events onside, such as football and baseball games. To make the pathway attractive, volunteers planted flowers. They also installed benches and picnic tables nearby. Organizers plan to add lighting to the walkway in the future, making it easier to traverse after dark.
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Fremont, NH
AARP Community Challenge Grant Year: 2020
Project Category: Accessibility of amenities
Description: To make Memorial Park more accessible for older adults and residents with disabilities, the Town of Fremont built a ramp from the park's parking lot to the playing fields. Previously, visitors had to navigate a steep dirt path to reach the ballfields. A local Eagle Scout candidate led the project. After the COVID-19 pandemic took hold in 2020, the Town moved many indoor events to Memorial Park's ballfields, so people could attend safely in the open air and practice the social distancing.
Hallowell, ME
AARP Community Challenge Grant Year: 2020
Project Category: Accessibility of amenities
Description: An ADA-accessible ramp now spans the steep bank separating Granite City Park's parking lot from Hallowell's popular waterfront boardwalk and boat ramp. Vision Hallowell and the Hallowell All Age-Friendly Committee designed the 24-foot aluminum ramp to be installed seasonally, for use in the spring, summer and fall months. It joins several municipal ramps and docks that give residents access to the Kennebec River. While Hallowell has no town square, the waterfront fills this role. Thanks to the new ramp, older adults, those with mobility challenges and parents pushing baby strollers are now able to access the city's waterfront bulkhead, a center of activity featuring dozens of colorful Adirondack chairs.
Nashville, AR
AARP Community Challenge Grant Year: 2025
Project Category: Accessibility of amenities
Description: Older adults visiting the Senior Center struggled to open heavy exterior doors, creating safety risks and preventing many from entering independently. Installing automatic door openers removed a key barrier and allowed residents using walkers, wheelchairs and canes to access the building safely. Staff could stay focused on assisting residents rather than rushing to open the doors, and visitors immediately experienced smoother entry. Community members said residents "could not be happier," reflecting the project's lasting impact in reducing falls and increasing confidence for those who rely on the center.
Project description was created using generative AI and then reviewed for accuracy.
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Wilmington, DE
AARP Community Challenge Grant Year: 2024
Project Category: Digital Connectivity for Disasters
Description: After Hurricane Ida exposed gaps in disaster readiness, older adults in Wilmington lacked training and tools to stay safe during floods and outages. The organization hosted emergency preparedness workshops and equipped a mobile disaster unit with solar-powered satellite internet and charging stations. This has ensured that residents can access critical information when power fails. These resources and skills reduce anxiety and improve resilience, while new partnerships sparked plans to replicate services statewide support for vulnerable communities facing future emergencies.
Project description was created using generative AI and then reviewed for accuracy.
Wilmington, DE
AARP Community Challenge Grant Year: 2019
Project Category: Public space activation
Description: 1225 D Street was an abandoned lot overrun with weeds, errant trees and debris. Y Innovations planned to create a green space and community garden there, but first the area had to be cleared. Organizers began by removing garbage that had been dumped in the spot, as well as dead tree limbs, many feet of dilapidated fencing and three vacant sheds. The organization then added new fencing, making the space ready for the next phase of the project.
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