See More Projects Like This One

Manchester, NH

AARP Community Challenge Grant Year: 2018

Project Category: Park enhancements

Description: Part of larger efforts to draw people to spend time in downtown Manchester, this project made placemaking improvements to Arms Park. Manchester Connects engaged a local company to design custom chairs for the space, which can gently rock. Additionally, they installed picnic tables, benches and a concrete cornhole set in the park. The park -- located on the banks of the Merrimack River -- is a historic place in the city's core. Organizers hope the new amenities help the park act as a third space -- a public place people can gather without having to spend money.

Bennington, VT

AARP Community Challenge Grant Year: 2019

Project Category: Park enhancements

Description: After the Town of Bennington removed an out-of-date play structure, Stark Street Park was essentially an empty field. To draw residents of all ages back to the Park, the Town's Office of Community Development devised a plan to add a natural playground, bicycle pump track and a quarter-mile walking path. This project added an accessible path, which loops around the playground. In addition, the Town planted a pollinator garden with perennial plants attractive to butterflies and bees, installed two wooden benches and erected a welcome sign at the park entrance. Since these improvements, the nearby hospital obtained land and trails, which connect to Stark Street Park. The town has also added a mountain bike course onsite.

Hauula, HI

AARP Community Challenge Grant Year: 2022

Project Category: Park enhancements

Description: This project installed walking trails, ADA-compliant benches and a mural on a five-acre site slated to become a community recreation area.

Nearby AARP Community Challenge Projects

York County, PA

AARP Community Challenge Grant Year: 2021

Project Category: Inclusive civic engagement efforts

Description: To better capture local history, the York County History Center launched its Share Your Story initiative. Organizers specifically hoped to include the voices of underrepresented community members, including BIPOC residents and people with disabilities. The Center constructed a mobile recording booth, which it set up in local schools and a senior center and at community events, including a Juneteenth celebration, a community theater performance and a local street fair. The listening booth's first outing allowed the History Center to record stories of lives lost during the COVID-19 pandemic. Organizers say the stories they collect will inform museum exhibits, as well as the Center's online offerings.

Camp Hill, PA

AARP Community Challenge Grant Year: 2025

Project Category: Engaging residents in vibrant public places

Description: This project will improve access to outdoor recreation by addressing barriers for older adults and individuals with disabilities. It includes skill-building sessions, transportation, gear lending libraries, and an all-terrain wheelchair.

LEARN MORE AND STAY INFORMED

Find articles and resources about making communities more livable for people of all ages

people icon

Download or order free publications from AARP Livable Communities

download icon

Sign up for the free, weekly, award-winning AARP Livable Communities eNewsletter

mail icon

Don't see your community listed?

LEARN HOW IT CAN JOIN THE NETWORK

Connect with your AARP State Office

AARP has offices in all 50 states as well as in the District of Columbia, Puerto Rico and the U.S. Virgin Islands.

AARP Pennsylvania State Office

30 North 3rd Street
Suite 920
Harrisburg, PA 17101
United States

Phone: 866-389-5654
Fax: 717-236-4078
Email: [email protected]