Mesa County Libraries (2019) Print

star-24px 2019 AARP Community Challenge Grantee

Project Category

Public places
└ Accessibility of amenities
Mesa County public library staff had repurposed a lot next to the central library building into a discovery garden for residents of all ages to enjoy. This project made accessibility upgrades to the downtown Grand Junction space. First, mulch covering the site made maneuvering difficult for people with mobility challenges. To make pathways in the garden ADA-compliant, volunteers replaced the mulch with decomposed granite. They also added benches adorned with nature scenes to beautify the garden and give visitors a place to sit. Each bench has a unique design theme: mineral, plant, animal and water. Project organizers say the improvements have made the garden more inviting and accessible for visitors.

See More Projects Like This One

Emmett Public Library (2022)

Emmett, ID

AARP Community Challenge Grant Year: 2022

Project Category: Accessibility of amenities

Description: This project installed a digital locker system outside the library so patrons can pick up and drop off materials when the building is closed.

Community Libraries of Providence (2025)

Providence, RI

AARP Community Challenge Grant Year: 2025

Project Category: Accessibility of amenities

Description: This project will install handrails along the concrete ramp and stairs at Knight Memorial Library, enhancing safety and accessibility for older adults and individuals using canes, walkers, or wheelchairs.

Friends of Jensen-Olson Arboretum (2024)

Juneau, AK

AARP Community Challenge Grant Year: 2024

Project Category: Accessibility of amenities

Description: This initiative will create an accessible concrete path, allowing visitors with mobility challenges to use a bench with optimal views of the arboretum's gardens and canal. This will allow Juneau's senior living facilities to add the arboretum to their outings for provide residents.

Nearby AARP Community Challenge Projects

Grand Junction Parks and Recreation (2020)

Grand Junction, CO

AARP Community Challenge Grant Year: 2020

Project Category: Park enhancements

Description: Grand Junction Parks and Recreation created a strength training circuit along a walking path in Sherwood Park. To achieve this, GJPR installed four pieces of equipment for working out leg, arm and core muscles, including a rowing machine, sit up and pull up station and leg press. The park once housed similar fitness equipment, but GJCR had to remove it in the mid-nineties due to rot. Today, many residents of the surrounding neighborhoods are 50 and older, and the new equipment gives them an option for a cardio workout and strength training. The fitness stations are available to the public seven days a week and those interested can register for free instruction on how to use them.

ABOUT THE AARP COMMUNITY CHALLENGE

Launched in 2017, the annual AARP Community Challenge provides small grants to local governments and nonprofits in order to fund quick-action, ready-to-implement projects that can help communities become more livable for people of all ages.

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