AARP Hearing Center
AARP Livable Communities Map
See More Projects Like This One
Tolland, CT
AARP Community Challenge Grant Year: 2021
Project Category: Park enhancements
Description: To give older adults in Tolland an outdoor space to gather and spend time, the Tolland Conservation Commission created a new park. The Commission worked with landscape architecture students at University of Connecticut to design Wanat Senior Park, a 13-acre area with accessible woodland trails, space for stargazing, a wheelchair-accessible meadow trail and meditative labyrinth. Engagement with older adults, including a design charrette and guided site tour, informed plans for the park. Volunteers of all ages planted vegetation and helped install hardscaping. The park features a pollinator garden, ADA-compliant benches and a variety of native plants. Public art -- including a sculpture of a heron and a sundial -- welcome visitors to the space.
Cascade, MT
AARP Community Challenge Grant Year: 2020
Project Category: Park enhancements
Description: The Town of Cascade created an accessible picnic area in North Railroad Park, within walking distance of many local amenities. Town staff poured a concrete pad for the site, where they installed a walled seating area with two ADA-compliant picnic tables and a new flagpole. The local garden club lent a hand by filling at the site planters with flowers. Each year, the Town evaluates the accessibility of the projects it undertakes, and town leaders are committed to providing gathering spaces where residents of all abilities can gather.
Salyersville, KY
AARP Community Challenge Grant Year: 2023
Project Category: Park enhancements
Description: Older adults lacked shaded seating in the community park, making walking trails and playground visits uncomfortable. The council installed canopies over 16 benches and added a sound system for the stage, creating shaded resting areas and enabling events. Volunteers contributed significant time to complete the improvements. "These improvements have been such a great addition to the park and should provide many years of enjoyment," said a local official. The upgrades transformed the park into a welcoming space for older adults and families, encouraging outdoor activity and social engagement.
Nearby AARP Community Challenge Projects
Seattle, WA
AARP Community Challenge Grant Year: 2024
Project Category: Digital navigation skills
Description: Latino workers in Seattle faced barriers to digital access, leaving older adults isolated and unable to manage daily tasks. Casa Latina distributed 36 hotspots and 20 laptops, offered 64 bilingual classes and over 50 one-on-one sessions to build confidence and skills. The program helped participants connect with loved ones, access telehealth and pursue education. One member used her new laptop to complete a business course and launch a catering business, showing how digital literacy can transform lives.
Memphis, TN
AARP Community Challenge Grant Year: 2025
Project Category: Walk Audits
Description: The project will feature three walk audits from community locations to Renaissance Pocket Park. It will involve a senior walking group, a senior center, volunteers, local government and law enforcement.
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 Washington State Office
18000 International Boulevard
Suite 1020
SeaTac (Seattle), WA 98188
United States