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Hazen, ND
AARP Community Challenge Grant Year: 2022
Project Category: Accessibility of amenities
Description: Older adults and people with mobility challenges could not access the library's basement meeting rooms, limiting participation in art classes and community events. The project installed three chairlifts on two stairwells, creating safe, reliable access and plans to add a wheelchair for convenience. These improvements ensure long-term accessibility for older adults and people with disabilities. "The chairlifts will ensure that our art group will be able to continue to use the room we rent downstairs... We are very excited," said a participant.
Project description was created using generative AI and then reviewed for accuracy.
Reno, NV
AARP Community Challenge Grant Year: 2023
Project Category: Accessibility of amenities
Description: Older adults in Washoe County faced isolation and limited access to nature due to mobility challenges and costly adaptive equipment. To address this, the Foundation purchased five all-terrain wheelchairs and launched an adaptive walking program, making the chairs available for free at multiple parks. A marketing campaign spread awareness, and older adults now use the chairs weekly to explore trails they once could not reach. The project sparked new partnerships and plans for more adaptive gear. One participant shared, "I didn't think I would ever see that many different species of birds again," after using a chair to enjoy birdwatching.
Project description was created using generative AI and then reviewed for accuracy.
Sedgwick, ME
AARP Community Challenge Grant Year: 2023
Project Category: Accessibility of amenities
Description: Older adults and residents with mobility challenges often lack safe access to Maine's coastline. To change that, the Trust advanced plans for an accessible trail and viewing platform at Edge Hill, clearing debris and securing permits for construction. The design includes a hard-packed surface, benches and a ramp to the water's edge, creating a space where wheelchairs and walkers can navigate easily. Advisors called the effort "a huge gift for older adults," highlighting its role in restoring independence and connection with nature.
Project description was created using generative AI and then reviewed for accuracy.
Nearby AARP Community Challenge Projects
Providence, RI
AARP Community Challenge Grant Year: 2019
Project Category: Community Gardens
Description: Amos House, which serves unhoused and unemployed people and those living in poverty, developed a volunteer-managed garden to provide fresh ingredients for the organization's soup kitchen. Amos House installed four raised garden beds and two containers for growing herbs. The organization relied on labor from participants in its carpentry program and planted seeds donated by a local farm. Following construction of the 900-square-foot garden, Amos House recruited 20 volunteers age 50 and older to tend the garden. In the summer of 2019, the garden yielded produce valued at 6,500, which they used to prepare 15,000 meals. Residents of Amos House's shelter programs participate in gardening and harvesting, which project organizers say represented an important social activity during the COVID-19 pandemic.
Providence, RI
AARP Community Challenge Grant Year: 2021
Project Category: Accessibility of amenities
Description: The lawn outside the Knight Memorial Library became a community hub during the COVID-19 pandemic, when community activities moved outdoors. The lawn, however, was not accessible to people using wheelchairs, parents pushing strollers or residents with mobility challenges. The Providence Community Library modified the lawn's entrances and installed an ADA-compliant concrete ramp to connect the space with sidewalks and the nearby parking lot. To make the space more appealing, they also hung a welcome banner, planted flower gardens and added tables, seating and lawn games to the space. Project organizers report the improvements have allowed more people to enjoy community activities, including the neighborhood's weekly farmers market.
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