See More Projects Like This One

Akron, OH

AARP Community Challenge Grant Year: 2021

Project Category: Accessibility of amenities

Description: Akron's North Hill neighborhood is home to many Asian and Pacific Islander immigrants and refugees displaced by famine and war. Many immigrant families rent garden plots at Akron Cooperative Farms, with multiple generations working together to grow produce. To better meet the community's needs, Asian Services in Action constructed an enclosed pavilion for the cooperative's neighborhood farmers market. Asian Services in Action partnered with TRY Ministries -- which provides jobs skills training to formerly incarcerated people -- and the City of Akron stepped in to lay a level, concrete floor for the space. Replacing tents, the pavilion offers vendors and shoppers protection from inclement weather, as well as shade on sunny days. This makes the market more accessible, giving allowing residents to purchase culturally important fresh vegetables, which are often unavailable at local grocery stores. Project organizers say the pavilion will also offer a venue for community events.

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.

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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