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Saint Paul, MN
AARP Community Challenge Grant Year: 2020
Project Category: Park enhancements
Description: After a survey of North End residents revealed a need for additional seating in the Trout Brook Nature Sanctuary, the District 6 Planning Council installed benches along the site's accessible walkways. A local artist designed each bench to depict colorful animals, including a blue and orange turtle, a bright orange otter, a red rabbit and a yellow and green frog. Project organizers say they hope to give visitors a place to rest, enjoy the outdoors and make social connections.
Presidio, TX
AARP Community Challenge Grant Year: 2022
Project Category: Park enhancements
Description: Daly Park, once a gathering place, had deteriorated, leaving few safe spaces for older adults and families. The district revitalized the park with ADA-accessible benches and picnic tables, mobility-friendly exercise equipment, outdoor musical instruments and new grilling areas. A mural and solar lighting added safety and cultural character. The upgrades have renewed interest in the park for walks, family celebrations and public events. "My mother... loved to skate here... I wish she could see the park now," one resident said, reflecting the park's restored role in community life.
Lorain, OH
AARP Community Challenge Grant Year: 2019
Project Category: Park enhancements
Description: This project made improvements to Falbo Park, including adding a 20- by 20-foot shade awning, a large glider swing and an additional shade structure featuring a trellis for vines to climb. The City of Lorain designed these enhancements to make Falbo Park a space for intergenerational physical activity, play and community-building. The park hosted activities and provided solace to residents during the COVID-19 pandemic. This project sparked other tangible changes to Falbo Park. In 2021, the City added a butterfly garden to attract pollinators. They also installed accessible bench-style swings in other parts of town, including at the local outdoor concert venue.
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Thurston County, WA
AARP Community Challenge Grant Year: 2020
Project Category: Community Gardens
Description: Garden Raised Bounty installed 21 home gardens throughout Thurston County, giving the recipients access to healthy food and community connections. The organization adapted half of the gardens to meet accessibility needs and customized all of the gardens for specific recipients. Garden Raised Bounty also provided growing guides, online tutorials, seeds or starter plants, recipes and one-on-one support to ensure each garden's success. Its goal was to increase food security and provide for the mental and physical well-being of its recipients, many of whom reported the project had a positive impact on their communities and lives.
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