See More Projects Like This One

Frankfort, IN

AARP Community Challenge Grant Year: 2024

Project Category: Park enhancements

Description: Older adults had no safe outdoor walking option and were forced to loop around a busy parking lot. CORE created a full-loop path with lighting, landscaping and benches for rest stops, plus trash and dog waste stations to keep the area clean. The new path offers a secure, scenic space for walking and biking, encouraging physical activity and social connection. Residents praised the project as a positive use of land that benefits people of all ages and look forward to spending more time outdoors.

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

Crossville, TN

AARP Community Challenge Grant Year: 2022

Project Category: Park enhancements

Description: Cumberland County converted a picnic shelter into an outdoor classroom to reduce isolation and create inclusive learning spaces. The project added limestone benches, planter boxes, flagstone flooring and whiteboards, and opened with a ribbon-cutting event. Agencies and nonprofits are already scheduling classes on gardening, health and art. Free access removes economic barriers and fosters intergenerational engagement. "We feel the sky is the limit on the number of classes as well as the subject matter that will take place in this space," the county noted.

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

Matanuska-Susitna Borough, AK

AARP Community Challenge Grant Year: 2020

Project Category: Park enhancements

Description: In partnership with Great Land Trust and Matanuska-Susitna Borough, the Mat-Su Trails and Parks Foundation constructed an ADA-accessible, scenic overlook viewing platform at the newly opened Settlers Bay Coastal Park. The platform, which includes a safety railing and seating, allows visitors of all abilities to enjoy the panoramic views at Mat-Su Valley's first and only coastal park. Prior to the development of Settlers Bay Coastal Park, locals lacked access to public lands for outdoor recreation. At an unveiling event for the new platform, the Great Land Trust announced they had acquired an additional 180 acres of land adjacent to the existing park, expanding the total permanently protected land area to 500 acres.

Nearby AARP Community Challenge Projects

Fort Scott, KS

AARP Community Challenge Grant Year: 2025

Project Category: Park enhancements

Description: This project will add three new Kansas Unsung Hero panels to the Unsung Heroes Park. These panels will include QR codes for language translation.

Savonburg, KS

AARP Community Challenge Grant Year: 2021

Project Category: Park enhancements

Description: City leaders hoped to give Savonburg residents a park suitable for people of all ages. The City, in partnership with a local service club, added a quarter-mile walking trail, ADA-compliant picnic tables and benches to the park. Built next to a new children's playground, the additions allow intergenerational families to enjoy the public greenspace.

LEARN MORE AND STAY INFORMED

Find articles and resources about making communities more livable for people of all ages

people icon

Download or order free publications from AARP Livable Communities

download icon

Sign up for the free, weekly, award-winning AARP Livable Communities eNewsletter

mail icon

Don't see your community listed?

LEARN HOW IT CAN JOIN THE NETWORK

Connect 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 Kansas State Office

6220 SW 29th Street
Suite 300
Topeka, KS 66614
United States

Phone: 866-448-3619
Fax: 785-232-8259
Email: [email protected]