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Friends of Jensen-Olson Arboretum (2024) Print
2024 AARP Community Challenge Grantee
Project Category
Public places
└ Accessibility of amenities
└ Accessibility of amenities
Uneven terrain kept visitors with mobility challenges from exploring the public garden, limiting older adults' access to nature and scenic views. The group built an ADA-compliant path of precast pavers leading to a bench overlooking the gardens and ocean. They also added wide steps to manage slope. Volunteers landscaped adjoining beds, and a ribbon-cutting drew 75 guests, including wheelchair and walker users. The path is a permanent improvement that opens the arboretum to residents and strengthens community ties. One guest said, "To have the arboretum now be a place which I can easily access in my wheelchair and feel truly welcome is a wonderful gift."
Project description was created using generative AI and then reviewed for accuracy.
Project description was created using generative AI and then reviewed for accuracy.
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See More Projects Like This One
Hyde Park, VT
AARP Community Challenge Grant Year: 2017
Project Category: Accessibility of amenities
Description: Elsa French Park is a new pocket park featuring lilacs bushes and gardens planted on the grounds of an historic home. This project ensured the accessibility of the space for residents and visitors of all ages and ability levels. The Village of Hyde Park installed two ADA-accessible picnic tables, along with an accessible pathway with a ramp and detectible edges for visitors with disabilities. Project organizers say the improvements helped lay the groundwork for ongoing development of the site, which they envision as an important gathering space in a community that lacks a central town square. In addition, the Village has repurposed the house on the property to house municipal offices and a community meeting space.
Duluth, MN
AARP Community Challenge Grant Year: 2023
Project Category: Accessibility of amenities
Description: Lincoln Park Resource Center transformed an abandoned lot into an accessible community garden to address food insecurity and social isolation. The project added ramps, handrails and benches, making the space safer for older adults. Murals honoring local leaders turned the site into a vibrant gathering place for gardening, fitness classes and events. Residents now use the garden for fresh produce and social activities. A leader in the neighborhood association said "now community members come up to staff as they share stories of what was and what is now and how appreciative they are of the changes especially since the space is now a resourceful space for many."
Project description was created using generative AI and then reviewed for accuracy.
Claremont, NH
AARP Community Challenge Grant Year: 2024
Project Category: Accessibility of amenities
Description: This project will add new accessible seating areas to the Opera House to make arts and culture programming inclusive for people of all ages and abilities. Existing accessible seating is located at the rear of the theater, resulting in poor sight lines.
Nearby AARP Community Challenge Projects
AK
AARP Community Challenge Grant Year: 2023
Project Category: Accessory dwelling units, tiny homes and manufactured housing
Description: Alaska faces a fast-growing older population and a shortage of affordable housing, yet many municipalities lack ordinances for accessory dwelling units (ADUs). To address this, the league researched statewide policies, created a best practices guide and ordinance template, and shared strategies through targeted outreach. The effort prompted interest from local leaders, with communities planning ADU ordinances and requesting technical assistance. "We loved having an easy-to-read publication that was Alaska specific", one council member said, underscoring how the project simplified complex housing issues and accelerated local action.
Project description was created using generative AI and then reviewed for accuracy.
Juneau, AK
AARP Community Challenge Grant Year: 2022
Project Category: Community Gardens
Description: Steep terrain and thick tree cover make gardening in Thane difficult, limiting residents' ability to grow their own food. To address this, organizers with the Thane Community Garden Association found a flat, sunny piece of land at an unused hatchery -- perfect for a new garden. Part of larger efforts to create small community gardens throughout the area, this project added accessible garden beds, fencing and a tool shed to the site. Organizers say the space will support the Association's education program, which teaches residents about gardening and nutrition. One resident said the garden is "going to change the nature of Thane for the good."
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