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Eliot Aging in Place Committee (2020) Print
2020 AARP Community Challenge Grantee
Project Category
Public places
└ Park enhancements
└ Park enhancements
To create a more accessible space for all ages, the Eliot Aging in Place Committee installed five benches on the Eliot Boat Basin, located on the banks of the Piscataqua River. The project was a community effort -- volunteers assembled the benches and transported them to their permanent locations. A key goal was to increase walkability and improve health and quality of life for residents. To achieve that, the Aging in Place Committee chose the bench design specifically with older adults' comfort in mind. Project organizers hope the benches -- placed along the waterfront and near a playground -- give visitors a place to rest, allowing them to enjoy walks in the park. Following their installation, the Committee secured funding for additional benches for the town's library.
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Hattiesburg, MS
AARP Community Challenge Grant Year: 2022
Project Category: Park enhancements
Description: This project made improvements to basketball court at a public school and park. It also added four age-friendly benches at a walking track, as well as two murals.
Vermillion, SD
AARP Community Challenge Grant Year: 2018
Project Category: Park enhancements
Description: The game of horseshoes is popular with many residents in Vermillion. But the city's horseshoe court needed upgrades to make it accessible to people of all ages and abilities. To fix this, the City renovated the four-pit horseshoe court in Prentis Park. They upgraded the pits' clay surface, added an ADA-compliant sidewalk and purchased pit covers to keep the courts clear of weeds and debris. In the future, the City plans to add seating to accommodate spectators and allow player to rest between rounds. Since the renovations, the courts have drawn residents of all ages. City staff plan for the site to host horseshoe leagues, tournaments and other events.
Waycross, GA
AARP Community Challenge Grant Year: 2024
Project Category: Park enhancements
Description: To provide shade and create a comfortable gathering space, this project will add a covered gazebo and benches to a park, which is located near housing for older adults.
Nearby AARP Community Challenge Projects
Portsmouth, NH
AARP Community Challenge Grant Year: 2023
Project Category: Community Gardens
Description: This project will create a community garden with raised garden beds and vertical gardens to enable older residents of local senior housing communities to grow their own food.
Portsmouth, NH
AARP Community Challenge Grant Year: 2024
Project Category: Accessibility of amenities
Description: This project will upgrade an event venue with assisted listening devices and other audiovisual technology to better serve older adult patrons. This will allow the community radio station to offer more diverse programming.
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