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Mat-Su Trails and Parks Foundation (2020) Print
2020 AARP Community Challenge Grantee
Project Category
Public places
└ Park enhancements
└ Park enhancements
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.
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Richlands, VA
AARP Community Challenge Grant Year: 2023
Project Category: Park enhancements
Description: Richlands had few accessible parks, leaving older adults and people with disabilities without safe spaces for fitness or social connection. The "Fit for Life" project added wheelchair-accessible swings, air walkers and benches to an underused park, while volunteers brightened the space with colorful features. Now, older adults can exercise, socialize and join community outings in a park designed for everyone. "I had the best day," said one visitor, capturing the joy and renewed sense of belonging this project brings. Plans for similar parks in other communities are already underway.
Project description was created using generative AI and then reviewed for accuracy.
New Milford, CT
AARP Community Challenge Grant Year: 2018
Project Category: Park enhancements
Description: To create social opportunities for people of all ages, the Town of New Milford added benches and game top tables along the walkway to the Young's Field Park. Town employees installed the tables, which can host chess and checkers games. Project organizers say they hope the tables encourage intergenerational activities in the riverfront park. Today, teens from a New Milford High School after-school club use the table for regular games with players from the New Milford Senior Center.
Casselton, ND
AARP Community Challenge Grant Year: 2026
Project Category: Park enhancements
Description: The city will add a small hut, seating, lighting and banners to a downtown green space used for events. These additions will provide shelter and gathering spots that make it easier for older residents to enjoy community activities.
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Palmer, AK
AARP Community Challenge Grant Year: 2020
Project Category: Public art installations
Description: This project set out to create an arts and cultural trail in Palmer by installing four permanent pieces of art throughout town. To oversee the project -- including artist and site selection and community engagement -- the United Way of the Matanuska-Susitna Borough established a volunteer advisory board. They then selected four local artists. Once completed, the art will be displayed near affordable housing complexes, local business, trails and parks and at Palmer's public library. Each piece pays tribute to local history and identity, with one sculpture depicting the Matanuska Maid and a series of ceramic works evoking the flow and shape of the Alaska landscape.
Anchorage, AK
AARP Community Challenge Grant Year: 2024
Project Category: Bike Audits
Description: Adaptive riders faced barriers on local trails, limiting access for older adults and people with disabilities. Chugach Mountain Bike Riders partnered with an adaptive-sports nonprofit to audit trails and busy access routes, marking the first time adaptive riders evaluated the system. The audits led to immediate upgrades and shaped a master plan to add 5 miles of adaptive paths and connect to a middle school. They also unlocked new grants and municipal funding for future projects. This project "opens up new recreational opportunities for our community... and builds an inclusive experience for all of us," said an adaptive rider.
Project description was created using generative AI and then reviewed for accuracy.
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