Knik-Fairview, AK

AARP Community Challenge Grant Year: 2021

Project Category: Park enhancements

Description: Settler's Bay Park in Mat-Sui Valley is a sanctuary for residents and tourists seeking to view migratory birds and spawning salmon. To make the park ADA-compliant, the Anchorage Great Land Trust installed an accessible scenic overlook platform with seating. The platform enables park visitors of all ages and abilities to enjoy majestic views of Cook Inlet from the area's only coastal park.

Hinton, WV

AARP Community Challenge Grant Year: 2021

Project Category: Park enhancements

Description: Hinton's west side -- home to many older adults and lower-income families -- was without a public greenspace or playground. Summers County Huddle decided to change that, creating the All Aboard Community Park on a parcel of land donated to the City of Hinton. Volunteers installed a gazebo, raised planter beds and playground equipment onsite. To serve people of all ages, the playground structures can double as exercise equipment for adults. Partnering with the City and local organizations, Summers County Huddle pulled together a team of intergenerational volunteers to build and maintain the park. Since the project's completion, many volunteers have continued to brainstorm ways to improve the neighborhood, including repairing sidewalks, installing lights and addressing vacancy.

Kingwood, WV

AARP Community Challenge Grant Year: 2019

Project Category: Park enhancements

Description: Although this project originally set out to expand social activities at Decker's Creek Park, the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic forced organizers to pivot. Instead, the Preston County Parks and Recreation Commission made improvements to the park's green space to increase walkability and accessibility for park visitors. They added an accessible picnic table, raised garden beds, trash cans, an information kiosk and a wooden sign for the park. They also planted the garden beds with pollinator-friendly perennials, with plans to invite the local Master Gardeners to use the plots in the future. In addition, the Parks and Recreation Commission painted and replaced boards on the park's pedestrian bridge. Since these upgrades, the Commission reports more visitors to the park, as well as an uptick in youth volunteer service. Recent projects include a new picnic table, outdoor classroom, little free library and bench.