AARP Hearing Center
AARP Livable Communities Map
Southern Georgia Area Agency on Aging (2024) Print
2024 AARP Community Challenge Grantee
Project Category
Public places
└ Park enhancements
└ Park enhancements
Bazemore Park had no seating or shade, leaving older adults without a safe, comfortable place to gather or enjoy nature. To address this, the agency installed a 12-foot octagonal gazebo with benches and added string lights for usability. Volunteers assembled the structure and hosted a ribbon-cutting celebration. The new covered space now serves as a hub for social connection near homes, churches and a fire station, encouraging outdoor activity and community events-benefits tied to improved health and reduced isolation.
Project description was created using generative AI and then reviewed for accuracy.
Project description was created using generative AI and then reviewed for accuracy.
Photo Gallery
Image:
Click on a photo to learn more
See More Projects Like This One
Casselton, ND
AARP Community Challenge Grant Year: 2026
Project Category: Park enhancements
Description: The city will add a small hut, seating, lighting and banners to a downtown green space used for events. These additions will provide shelter and gathering spots that make it easier for older residents to enjoy community activities.
Vermillion, SD
AARP Community Challenge Grant Year: 2018
Project Category: Park enhancements
Description: The game of horseshoes is popular with many residents in Vermillion. But the city's horseshoe court needed upgrades to make it accessible to people of all ages and abilities. To fix this, the City renovated the four-pit horseshoe court in Prentis Park. They upgraded the pits' clay surface, added an ADA-compliant sidewalk and purchased pit covers to keep the courts clear of weeds and debris. In the future, the City plans to add seating to accommodate spectators and allow player to rest between rounds. Since the renovations, the courts have drawn residents of all ages. City staff plan for the site to host horseshoe leagues, tournaments and other events.
Hartford, CT
AARP Community Challenge Grant Year: 2020
Project Category: Park enhancements
Description: This project improved accessibility at Pope Park for older adults and people with disabilities. Project organizers installed ADA-compliant picnic tables with benches, designed to accommodate individuals using scooters or wheelchairs. The added amenities upgraded an area of the park with a play area and spray pool for small children. In this predominantly low-income neighborhood few homes have front or back yards, making Pope Park an important outdoor space for residents of all ages. Project organizers say the new seating highlighted a need for more accessible pathways in the park, which are now being designed.
Nearby AARP Community Challenge Projects
Brunswick, GA
AARP Community Challenge Grant Year: 2024
Project Category: Bike Audits
Description: Brunswick lacked safe bike routes linking downtown to schools and jobs, leaving residents, many reliant on walking or biking, facing hazards along a key corridor. The group led a two-part audit of 1.3 miles on MLK Jr. Blvd./Altama Ave., documenting obstacles and safety concerns to guide future trail planning. The effort raised visibility and prompted local officials to begin early planning for a multi-use path. One auditor said the process revealed "how the little things add up" for cyclists and pedestrians navigating the area.
Project description was created using generative AI and then reviewed for accuracy.
Brunswick, GA
AARP Community Challenge Grant Year: 2022
Project Category: Park enhancements
Description: City of Brunswick lacked inclusive outdoor spaces in Goodyear Park, a diverse neighborhood where many residents are age 50-plus. The city enhanced a permanent labyrinth with landscaping, ADA-compliant benches, accessible sidewalks and wayfinding signage to connect the site with nearby medical facilities. The transformation created a serene space for reflection and healing, strengthened city-community partnerships and drew interest from groups serving older adults and people with disabilities. Residents report improved access and comfort-one shared, "The paved path improves the access to the labyrinth for older adults, like me, and others with balance issues."
Project description was created using generative AI and then reviewed for accuracy.
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 Georgia State Office
999 Peachtree Street NE
Suite 1110
Atlanta, GA 30309
United States