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Lincoln Park Resource Center (2023) Print
2023 AARP Community Challenge Grantee
Project Category
Public places
└ Accessibility of amenities
└ Accessibility of amenities
Lincoln Park Resource Center transformed an abandoned lot into an accessible community garden to address food insecurity and social isolation. The project added ramps, handrails and benches, making the space safer for older adults. Murals honoring local leaders turned the site into a vibrant gathering place for gardening, fitness classes and events. Residents now use the garden for fresh produce and social activities. A leader in the neighborhood association said "now community members come up to staff as they share stories of what was and what is now and how appreciative they are of the changes especially since the space is now a resourceful space for many."
Project description was created using generative AI and then reviewed for accuracy.
Project description was created using generative AI and then reviewed for accuracy.
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Gayville, SD
AARP Community Challenge Grant Year: 2025
Project Category: Accessibility of amenities
Description: This project will create an outdoor classroom, fostering intergenerational learning and community engagement. It will be used for school activities, community events, and summer programs.
Emmett, ID
AARP Community Challenge Grant Year: 2022
Project Category: Accessibility of amenities
Description: To overcome limited hours and curbside-only service, the library installed a remote locker system and built a service patio with benches, giving patrons 24/7 access to reserved materials and a place to sit and use Wi-Fi. The project boosted library use and inspired plans for similar units in new housing developments. One older neighbor now visits anytime her helper is available, saying she appreciates having a space to hang out as well as get her library requests from the locker.
Project description was created using generative AI and then reviewed for accuracy.
Hyde Park, VT
AARP Community Challenge Grant Year: 2017
Project Category: Accessibility of amenities
Description: Elsa French Park is a new pocket park featuring lilacs bushes and gardens planted on the grounds of an historic home. This project ensured the accessibility of the space for residents and visitors of all ages and ability levels. The Village of Hyde Park installed two ADA-accessible picnic tables, along with an accessible pathway with a ramp and detectible edges for visitors with disabilities. Project organizers say the improvements helped lay the groundwork for ongoing development of the site, which they envision as an important gathering space in a community that lacks a central town square. In addition, the Village has repurposed the house on the property to house municipal offices and a community meeting space.
Nearby AARP Community Challenge Projects
Duluth, MN
AARP Community Challenge Grant Year: 2023
Project Category: Addressing community health
Description: Older adults in Duluth faced barriers to healthy food and social connection, especially in neighborhoods with few events and limited transit. To address this, the organization expanded its farmers markets by adding social zones with tables, games and art supplies, and completed two murals in areas lacking public art. Staff also took anti-age discrimination training and recruited older volunteers to lead activities. The project deepened engagement, improved food access and brightened community spaces. One visitor said, "The murals completely change the feeling of the park... really livens it up and matches the energy of the markets better."
Project description was created using generative AI and then reviewed for accuracy.
Duluth, MN
AARP Community Challenge Grant Year: 2022
Project Category: Engaging residents in vibrant public places
Description: This project engaged teams of participants to design solutions that will make the city more age-friendly, with a focus on areas such as housing, transportation and more.
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