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Augusta, GA

AARP Community Challenge Grant Year: 2018

Project Category: Park enhancements

Description: Organizers with the Augusta Recreation and Parks Department noticed people were driving their vehicles into Henry H. Brigham Park, making park users feel unsafe. This project set out to prevent this, keeping a walking track, basketball court and playground area free from cars and trucks. The Department installed bollards, as well as benches -- which served the dual purpose of giving park patrons a place to rest. Additionally, organizers planted shade trees to make the park more appealing in the summer heat. To draw visitors, the Department also worked to increase recreational programming in the park, including Tai Chi classes.

Bolton, CT

AARP Community Challenge Grant Year: 2022

Project Category: Park enhancements

Description: An underused outdoor area with worn furniture limited opportunities for socializing and fitness. The center installed a pickleball court, added benches and upgraded the patio with accessible tables and chairs. Raised garden beds and a refreshed storage shed completed the transformation. The space now supports active living and community gatherings. "Wow, look at that! It looks amazing," said one resident during a local event, reflecting excitement about the new amenities and plans for expanded programming.

Project description was created using generative AI and then reviewed for accuracy.

Osceola, AR

AARP Community Challenge Grant Year: 2021

Project Category: Park enhancements

Description: Osceola's Rosenwald Park has a popular playground and is located near the county's older adult residential and recreational facility but has always lacked a paved path and sufficient shade for visitors in the hotter months. To improve the park, the City of Osceola built an ADA-accessible walking track that encircles the playground and links it to the sidewalk at the Mississippi County Senior Center. Meanwhile, city planners also worked with a community donor to plant more than a dozen red oaks, which provide a lush, sustainable shade canopy. Organizers say the upgrades have made the park more user friendly for visitors of all ages and abilities.

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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Suite 121
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