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Randolph, VT

AARP Community Challenge Grant Year: 2020

Project Category: Park enhancements

Description: To give residents the opportunity to express themselves and connect with each other, Sunrise Rotary Club installed outdoor musical instruments near the town's recreational field. The new Harmony Park features chimes, drums, a xylophone, Imbarimbas and a harp. The Club also added benches to the space, along with a welcome sign informing visitors about the instruments.

North Las Vegas, NV

AARP Community Challenge Grant Year: 2021

Project Category: Park enhancements

Description: North Las Vegas hoped to encourage residents to get outside for exercise and recreation. As part of its All the Best Paths are Taken by Foot campaign, the City installed concrete benches along walking paths within city parks. The benches sit along sidewalks and near outdoor athletic courts. When selecting parks to receive the benches, project organizers examined the existing amenities and prioritized areas with larger older adult populations. To help people navigate to nearby parks, the City erected wayfinding signs. Project organizers also launched a social media campaign and distributed flyers showcasing the improvements and describing the health benefits of walking.

Angola, IN

AARP Community Challenge Grant Year: 2024

Project Category: Park enhancements

Description: Downtown Angola lacked accessible seating during events like Food Truck Fridays, limiting participation for older adults and people with mobility challenges. The project installed wheelchair-accessible picnic tables on permanent concrete pads in the community green space, creating a safe and inclusive environment. Volunteers helped with assembly, and branded plates were added to highlight the initiative. The tables now provide a lasting solution for social connection and comfort. One attendee said the new seating made events "less complicated" for her and her son, allowing them to simply come and enjoy the space.

Project description was created using generative AI and then reviewed for accuracy.

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.

Project description was created using generative AI and then reviewed for accuracy.

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.

Project description was created using generative AI and then reviewed for accuracy.

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