See More Projects Like This One

Detroit, MI

AARP Community Challenge Grant Year: 2022

Project Category: Accessibility of amenities

Description: Lots in Detroit's Poletown neighborhood left older adults and neighbors without safe access to nature. The project installed an ADA-compliant boardwalk and gathering deck with seating. It was connected to accessible paths and created a focal point for the Circle Forest restoration. These improvements allow residents and care facility visitors to enjoy the outdoors and socialize. "Workers tell me how happy they are to get away and recharge during their shift," said a project lead, noting the space now draws neighbors daily.

Cokeville, WY

AARP Community Challenge Grant Year: 2020

Project Category: Accessibility of amenities

Description: To help visitors with disabilities access its programming, the Cokeville Senior Citizens Center made repairs to its buildings and grounds. To make the Center ADA-complaint, project organizers replaced dangerous, crumbling concrete, repaired a stairway, constructed a new sidewalk to the parking lot and replaced a deteriorated wooden deck. The Center also beautified its courtyard to accommodate outdoor gatherings, adding a barbeque area, new lighting, seating and planters to grow vegetables.

Tempe, AZ

AARP Community Challenge Grant Year: 2018

Project Category: Accessibility of amenities

Description: Over the years, Tempe has worked to become a dementia-friendly city. More than 1,500 of the city's residents have memory loss. To support these residents, the City hosts a weekly memory cafe. Caregivers can network with each other, and people exeperiencing Alzheimers and other forms of dementia can interact with each other and build friendships. Organizers hoped to make the building hosting the cafe more welcoming to participants. To do this, they improvided wayfinding onsite. The City installed signage with easily-understood icons, large print and high color contrast. The signs point people to classrooms, the onsite fitness center, the intformation desk and restrooms.

Nearby AARP Community Challenge Projects

Bethlehem, NH

AARP Community Challenge Grant Year: 2023

Project Category: Improved wayfinding

Description: Cyclists in New Hampshires Tri-Town region needed maps that were easy to read, especially for older riders and those with vision challenges. The project redesigned regional cycling maps with larger, darker fonts and clearer layouts, then printed and distributed them widely to highlight safe routes, trails and repair stations. The new maps are helping riders feel confident exploring scenic routes. "Finally a map with printing big enough to read without being the size of a bedsheet!" one rider said. Plans include adding pedal-assist bikes and hosting training sessions for riders age 50-plus.

Lyndon, VT

AARP Community Challenge Grant Year: 2025

Project Category: Park enhancements

Description: This project will enhance Bandstand Park by adding a pollinator garden, vine trellis, and wheelchair-accessible picnic tables. This will improve accessibility, provide comfortable seating, and create an intergenerational space.

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