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Lexington-Fayette Urban County Government (2017) Print
2017 AARP Community Challenge Grantee
Project Category
Public places
└ Park enhancements
└ Park enhancements
To give residents a comfortable space to hold a conversation, the Lexington Senior Center installed new accessible benches and raised planters in Idle Hour Park. Guided by a physical therapy student's research, which showed many people are uncomfortable twisting to converse with someone seated beside them, the benches sit in a U shape. This placement allows people to choose whether to sit next to or across from one another. Each seating area also includes extra space for a wheelchair user to join in.
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Omaha, NE
AARP Community Challenge Grant Year: 2022
Project Category: Park enhancements
Description: As part of efforts to revitalize a vacant building in Upland Park, this project made accessibility upgrades nearby. Project organizers installed a new walking path and accessible seating onsite. To beautify the space, volunteers worked to create public art. Additionally, this project replaced temporary garden beds with permanent raised-bed planters, which allow people to garden without having to squat down -- making the activity possible for people of all ages and abilities.
Walcott, IA
AARP Community Challenge Grant Year: 2024
Project Category: Park enhancements
Description: Walcott's tennis courts had deteriorated since 1998, leaving few options for older adults to stay active in a town without fitness facilities. To address this, the city resurfaced one court and converted the other into two pickleball courts with fortified acrylic surfaces near a park and splash pad. The upgrades sparked interest in adult pickleball leagues and youth programs, creating a hub for social engagement and wellness. Residents say the new courts encourage active living and help older adults remain connected to the community.
Project description was created using generative AI and then reviewed for accuracy.
Richmond, VA
AARP Community Challenge Grant Year: 2022
Project Category: Park enhancements
Description: An eco-park lacked seating, signage and accessible paths, limiting older adults' ability to walk or join community programs. The seminary installed ADA-compliant picnic tables and benches, improved trails and added signage to create welcoming spaces. Volunteers helped assemble tables and supported intergenerational activities like a summer eco-camp. These upgrades removed barriers and encouraged social interaction. One group of longtime park users expressed gratitude for the new tables and benches, saying they finally had comfortable seating for daily gatherings.
Project description was created using generative AI and then reviewed for accuracy.
Nearby AARP Community Challenge Projects
Lexington, KY
AARP Community Challenge Grant Year: 2019
Project Category: Community Gardens
Description: Organizers with Seedleaf hoped to provide a more comfortable experience for the many older adults who maintain one of its free community gardens. To do this, Seedleaf provided ergonomic garden tools -- including shovels and trowels -- designed for people with arthritis to use. They also purchased portable, raised seats that gardeners can place alongside garden beds, as well as a foldable wagon to collect harvested vegetables and a shed to house the new tools. To provide a space for visitors to rest and socialize, the nonprofit worked with a local carpenter to build two sturdy, cedar benches.
Hazard, KY
AARP Community Challenge Grant Year: 2022
Project Category: Addressing community health
Description: In rural Kentucky, many older adults lacked affordable medical equipment and children with disabilities faced barriers to play. The CARAT-TOP program expanded a makerspace to refurbish wheelchairs and walkers and adapt toys, engaging high school students and retired mentors. Between October and January, 37 residents received equipment, and adapted toys were donated to an elementary school. "Our students have become leaders and innovative thinkers," said a local principal. The new center will serve as a model for other communities.
Project description was created using generative AI and then reviewed for accuracy.
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