AARP Hearing Center
AARP Livable Communities Map
Limestone Development Foundation with Age-Friendly Limestone (2020) Print
2020 AARP Community Challenge Grantee
Project Category
Public places
└ Park enhancements
└ Park enhancements
Part of larger efforts to revitalize a public park, this project created a walking path. Volunteers installed the path, which winds around newly installed playground equipment, giving residents of all ages a space to exercise and socialize. Project organizers say they are considering ways to expand the pathway to more areas of the park in the future.
Photo Gallery
Image:
Click on a photo to learn more
See More Projects Like This One
Pine Ridge, SD
AARP Community Challenge Grant Year: 2019
Project Category: Park enhancements
Description: The Thunder Valley Community Development Corporation created an accessible, multigenerational playground at its Regenerative Community Development. Ahead of construction the organization held engagement sessions to get input from community members. Organizers wanted to ensure the playground's design was rooted in the Lakota way of life and elements of the site symbolize different teachings and traditions. For example, the facility's shape emulates the He Sapa, of Black Hills -- the heart at the center of everything. Play structures at the site represent elements of the Lakota creation story. With its grand funding, the Corporation installed a sidewalk and benches, including a semicircular bench to serve as a storytelling area. The Thunder Valley Community Development Corporation works to improve the lives of residents of the Pine Ridge Reservation, with its Regenerative Community Development focusing on providing culturally appropriate physical spaces for liberation and healing.
Dexter, ME
AARP Community Challenge Grant Year: 2020
Project Category: Park enhancements
Description: The Town of Dexter installed new benches on local streets and in parks to make them more accessible for older adults and those with mobility issues. Three parks -- Wayside, Ronco and Veterans Parks -- received the new benches. The Town also paved the entrance of Wayside Park, a popular gathering space for free weekly summer concerts. In addition, the Town offered Pop-Up Universities intended to provide residents with activities for learning, creativity and physical wellbeing, as well as social interaction. Topics include flower arranging, meditation and chair yoga.
Haigler, NE
AARP Community Challenge Grant Year: 2022
Project Category: Park enhancements
Description: A pair of neglected tennis courts left residents without a safe space for recreation. The project cleaned and repaired the area, added basketball hoops, a tennis net and a pickleball court, and installed ADA-compliant benches and a community bulletin board. The revitalized courts now host multigenerational activities and complement wellness programs nearby. "I didn't even know what pickleball was, but you know what-let's try it," said one older resident, reflecting renewed enthusiasm for active living.
Project description was created using generative AI and then reviewed for accuracy.
Nearby AARP Community Challenge Projects
Caribou, ME
AARP Community Challenge Grant Year: 2023
Project Category: Addressing community health
Description: Caribou faced a hidden crisis of abuse of older adults, and volunteers were without tools to educate or intervene. The group built a multimedia toolkit with expert-backed content, video vignettes and safety features to guide prevention and reporting. The resource will be shared statewide and used in local programs, strengthening community capacity to protect older adults and empowering them to speak up and access help.
Project description was created using generative AI and then reviewed for accuracy.
Fort Fairfield, ME
AARP Community Challenge Grant Year: 2024
Project Category: Public space activation
Description: Downtown Fort Fairfield lacked green space, leaving older adults without a safe, accessible spot to relax or connect. The library created a Community Memorial Garden with an ADA-compliant path, electrified gazebo, memorial benches and solar lighting. The space now hosts programs like tea socials and poetry readings and offers free Wi-Fi for those without home internet. Residents visit to honor loved ones. One woman said she comes to visit with her sister at a memorial bench. The project has spurred donations and volunteer support, ensuring the garden remains a vibrant community hub.
Project description was created using generative AI and then reviewed for accuracy.
LEARN MORE AND STAY INFORMED
Find articles and resources about making communities more livable for people of all ages
Download or order free publications from AARP Livable Communities
Sign up for the free, weekly, award-winning AARP Livable Communities eNewsletter
Don't see your community listed?
LEARN HOW IT CAN JOIN THE NETWORKConnect with your AARP State Office
AARP has offices in all 50 states as well as in the District of Columbia, Puerto Rico and the U.S. Virgin Islands.
AARP Maine State Office
53 Baxter Boulevard
Suite 202
Portland, ME 04101
United States