Hartford, CT

AARP Community Challenge Grant Year: 2020

Project Category: Park enhancements

Description: This project improved accessibility at Pope Park for older adults and people with disabilities. Project organizers installed ADA-compliant picnic tables with benches, designed to accommodate individuals using scooters or wheelchairs. The added amenities upgraded an area of the park with a play area and spray pool for small children. In this predominantly low-income neighborhood few homes have front or back yards, making Pope Park an important outdoor space for residents of all ages. Project organizers say the new seating highlighted a need for more accessible pathways in the park, which are now being designed.

Salyersville, KY

AARP Community Challenge Grant Year: 2023

Project Category: Park enhancements

Description: This project will transform a community park into a gathering place where residents can enjoy concerts, outdoor movies and other events. It will add benches, shade canopies and trash cans, as well as a sound system and other amenities.

Chappell, NE

AARP Community Challenge Grant Year: 2023

Project Category: Park enhancements

Description: This project will make improvements to the Chappell Lake recreation area, including upgrades to the parking lot, solar-powered lights for night fishing, repairs and renovations in the restrooms and new picnic tables.