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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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Anchorage, AK
AARP Community Challenge Grant Year: 2022
Project Category: Park enhancements
Description: The Navy League Council created its Sea Services Memorial. The memorial is located at the USSAnchorageanchor site to honor the two ships of that name, as well as the Navy's role in Dutch Harbor during World War II. The Council refurbished an anchor onsite, improved landscaping and made accessibility updates. Organizers also installed storyboards describing each ship's historical significance.
Greenville, SC
AARP Community Challenge Grant Year: 2018
Project Category: Park enhancements
Description: Walker Park -- a pocket park in the West Greenville neighborhood -- is a popular gathering place for residents, but the greenspace lacked accessibility features and shade. To address this, the City refurbished park benches and added an ADA-compliant shelter house with an entrance ramp. Additionally, they worked to give visitors more recreation options, replacing a dilapidated horseshoes pit and adding accessible game tables. Organizers say the additions help Greenville's older adults and intergenerational families take advantage of park amenities.
Windham, ME
AARP Community Challenge Grant Year: 2023
Project Category: Park enhancements
Description: This project will provide an accessible, shaded picnic area to an existing park that will soon be the location of a self-guided walking trail.
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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
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