See More Projects Like This One

Saco, ME

AARP Community Challenge Grant Year: 2018

Project Category: Accessibility of amenities

Description: Saco is a coastal community with seven miles of sandy beaches. Until recently, there was no beach access for people using wheelchairs or other mobility devices. That changed thanks to the purchase and installation of three ADA-compliant beach mats. The mats run from a parking lot to the high tide mark, as well as parallel to the beach. Grant funding from AARP also helped Saco attract a donation from the local Rotary Club to purchase a beach wheelchair and beach walker. Lifeguards manage and loan out the accessibility equipment.

Biloxi, MS

AARP Community Challenge Grant Year: 2024

Project Category: Accessibility of amenities

Description: Older adults visiting Harrison County libraries faced mobility and vision challenges that limited independence and comfort. The library added rolling walkers at three branches, sturdy chairs at West Biloxi and expanded its large-print collection to improve accessibility. These upgrades help patrons move confidently through the library and enjoy more reading options. One visitor said that using a rollator made it possible to browse and attend events again, showing how the project restored access and independence for older adults.

Portsmouth, NH

AARP Community Challenge Grant Year: 2024

Project Category: Accessibility of amenities

Description: Outdated technology at a key community venue limited accessibility for older adults in Portsmouth. WSCA upgraded audio and visual systems, added assisted listening devices and refreshed its Button Factory Stage with new signage and computers. Volunteers-many age 50-plus-repaired equipment and stretched resources, adding significant value to the project. These improvements transformed the space into an inclusive hub for arts and civic events, enabling clearer sound and easier use for all. The upgrades now allow WSCA to host more programs that foster intergenerational engagement and strengthen community connection.

Nearby AARP Community Challenge Projects

Elk City, OK

AARP Community Challenge Grant Year: 2019

Project Category: Community Gardens

Description: Elk City added nine new table gardens -- designed to accommodate gardeners who use wheelchairs or can't bend easily -- to make its community garden more accessible and appealing to all ages. To accommodate the table gardens, the City laid down gravel. They also added three benches installed on concrete pads. The improvements spurred the City to take on the expense of the garden's water, sewer and electric usage. Since the improvements, the City is exploring the possibility of adding shade structures to shield the benches from the sun, as well as hanging baskets of flowers or vegetables.

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 Oklahoma State Office

126 N Bryant Avenue
Edmond (Oklahoma City), OK 73034
United States

Phone: 866-295-7277
Fax: 405-844-7772
Email: [email protected]