AARP Hearing Center
AARP Livable Communities Map
Sankofa Community Development Corporation (2021) Print
2021 AARP Community Challenge Grantee
Project Category
Public places
└ Park enhancements
└ Park enhancements
In New Orleans' Lower Ninth Ward, many residents lack access to public outdoor spaces. To provide additional recreational areas and bolster intergenerational connections for residents, the Sankofa Community Development Corporation improved Sankofa Wetland Park and Nature Trail, clearing overgrown grass, fallen trees and other obstructions from the water's edge. Project organizers also installed benches and bike racks and bought new fishing equipment for visitors to use in the park. Fishing has great cultural significance to the residents of this neighborhood and provides a way for elders to bond with and mentor local youth.
Photo Gallery
Image:
Click on a photo to learn more
See More Projects Like This One
Corydon, IN
AARP Community Challenge Grant Year: 2026
Project Category: Park enhancements
Description: Permanent and portable shade structures will be added to the downtown farmers market. Cooler seating and vendor areas will help older adults shop and socialize more comfortably.
Shoshone, ID
AARP Community Challenge Grant Year: 2026
Project Category: Park enhancements
Description: A new water well will supply drinking fountains, sanitation and a fish cleaning station in the park. Reliable water access will support safe recreation and hydration for older visitors.
Hayti, SD
AARP Community Challenge Grant Year: 2025
Project Category: Park enhancements
Description: The Town of Hayti tackled a long-standing comfort and safety issue at its softball field, where older adults often gather to watch grandchildren play. With no shade and uneven access around the grandstand, hot summer games were difficult to sit through and navigating the area posed challenges for people with mobility concerns. Local volunteers built a roof over the concrete bleachers, added guard rails and poured level cement pads on both sides to create wheelchair accessible access. The changes immediately improved comfort and safety, especially during peak summer heat. Community members shared that the value of the project became clear once the roof was in place, providing relief from the sun and making it easier to stay for full games. The upgraded grandstand is expected to serve residents for decades and is guiding plans for additional seating and shade as the field continues to function as a central gathering place.
Project description was created using generative AI and then reviewed for accuracy.
Nearby AARP Community Challenge Projects
New Orleans, LA
AARP Community Challenge Grant Year: 2024
Project Category: Public or private transit access
Description: This project will engage local older adults to ensure their needs are considered in efforts to redesign several bus shelters across the city. The Committee seeks to make public transit accessible, safe, comfortable and climate-resilient for people of all ages.
New Orleans, LA
AARP Community Challenge Grant Year: 2026
Project Category: Disaster Resilience Other
Description: The organization will prepare and deliver 150 hurricane readiness boxes with food, water and essential supplies. These kits will help older adults stay safer at home before, during and after severe storms.
LEARN MORE AND STAY INFORMED
Find articles and resources about making communities more livable for people of all ages
Download or order free publications from AARP Livable Communities
Sign up for the free, weekly, award-winning AARP Livable Communities eNewsletter
Don't see your community listed?
LEARN HOW IT CAN JOIN THE NETWORKConnect 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 Louisiana State Office
301 Main Street
Suite 1012
Baton Rouge, LA 70825
United States