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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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Kingston, NY
AARP Community Challenge Grant Year: 2019
Project Category: Park enhancements
Description: The City of Kingston installed two chess tables with seating at its waterfront T.R. Gallo Wes Strand Park. Dubbed a chess playground, the facilities are meant to allow people of all generations to play chess or checkers. In addition to tables and benches, the City added an accessible, concrete sidewalk and improved landscaping onsite. With the arrival of the COVID-19 pandemic, the new tables gave residents a safe, outdoor space to gather.
Wellsburg, WV
AARP Community Challenge Grant Year: 2022
Project Category: Park enhancements
Description: Wellsburg's parks offered few options for older adults, and pickleball's growing popularity highlighted the lack of courts and seating. The project added two new courts, ADA-compliant picnic tables and a memo board, creating a more inclusive space for play and socializing. These upgrades reduced wait times and sparked new partnerships and plans for tournaments. One longtime player said, "Before, we had to drag big wooden picnic tables... Now, we have the luxury of having our own tables!"
Project description was created using generative AI and then reviewed for accuracy.
Grants, NM
AARP Community Challenge Grant Year: 2025
Project Category: Park enhancements
Description: City Hall Park had limited seating and accessibility, which discouraged older adults from using a central public space. This project addressed these barriers by upgrading the park with new benches, picnic tables, planter boxes and refreshed landscaping. Older residents helped guide priorities through planning conversations and took part in cleanup and beautification days. The improvements made the park easier to navigate and more comfortable for rest and casual gatherings. Resident involvement also built a sense of ownership and pride, supporting ongoing care of the space. Together, these changes helped restore the park as a place older adults can regularly use to relax, connect with neighbors and spend time outdoors.
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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