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Matanuska-Susitna Borough, AK

AARP Community Challenge Grant Year: 2020

Project Category: Park enhancements

Description: 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.

Newton, KS

AARP Community Challenge Grant Year: 2022

Project Category: Park enhancements

Description: This project installed ADA-compliant benches and educational signage at a future wetlands park located one mile from a large retirement community. It also created safety warnings and pavement markings at the site.

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.

Nearby AARP Community Challenge Projects

Seattle, WA

AARP Community Challenge Grant Year: 2024

Project Category: Digital navigation skills

Description: This project will provide digital literacy classes to Latino immigrant workers. This will give lower-income residents access to computers and improve their technology skills, allowing them to access job opportunities.

Memphis, TN

AARP Community Challenge Grant Year: 2025

Project Category: Walk Audits

Description: The Works Inc. set out to improve walking conditions in South Memphis, where unclear construction messaging and unsafe crossings made it difficult for residents, including older adults, to navigate routes to Renaissance Pocket Park. The group led a walk audit and produced a findings report, partnering with Innovate Memphis to shape future audits and strengthen communication with city engineers. During the audit, participants learned how new bump outs, upgraded lights and multisensory pedestrian signals would support safer walking, easing concerns about construction. The project strengthened ties with Innovate Memphis and opened direct communication with City of Memphis Engineering, prompting plans for additional audits in South and North Memphis. A participant story about a confusing intersection highlighted how better information helped residents understand the long-term safety benefits of the upgrades.

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