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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.
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Greensboro, VT
AARP Community Challenge Grant Year: 2022
Project Category: Park enhancements
Description: Residents wanted safe outdoor access for mobility and therapy, but uneven terrain limited independence. The project built a nature trail with accessible tread, a boardwalk, and an improved viewing platform. It also added benches and signage to connect with village sidewalks. Now residents, families and staff use the trail for exercise and quiet breaks, and community members walk there daily. "Our new path and viewing platform and benches are being used... as a quiet, serene, restful place to regroup," said staff.
Project description was created using generative AI and then reviewed for accuracy.
Union City, GA
AARP Community Challenge Grant Year: 2023
Project Category: Park enhancements
Description: Christian City replaced a lost dog park to preserve a vital gathering space for older adults. The new park includes fenced areas with accessible entrances, benches and a shaded gazebo, creating a safe spot for exercise and social connection. Volunteers cleared the lot and helped prepare the site, and a ribbon-cutting marked its opening. Residents say the space eases loneliness and fosters friendships. One woman noted, "It's a wonderful welcoming gathering place" and has helped her make and enjoy new friendships.
Project description was created using generative AI and then reviewed for accuracy.
Fort Scott, KS
AARP Community Challenge Grant Year: 2025
Project Category: Park enhancements
Description: This project will add three new Kansas Unsung Hero panels to the Unsung Heroes Park. These panels will include QR codes for language translation.
Nearby AARP Community Challenge Projects
Albany, GA
AARP Community Challenge Grant Year: 2025
Project Category: Community Gardens
Description: 360 Albany set out to improve access to fresh food, outdoor activity and digital skills for older adults who lacked inclusive garden spaces and support using technology. The team installed raised beds, added ADA-compliant seating and hosted gardening workshops that taught older adults how to grow produce and stay active. Digital literacy sessions helped participants learn how to navigate health portals, manage online tasks and connect with family. One participant said the garden changed her days completely after planting for the first time in years and learning to video chat with her granddaughter. The improvements strengthened social ties, increased food access and created lasting opportunities for older adults to garden, learn and stay connected.
Project description was created using generative AI and then reviewed for accuracy.
Cuthbert, GA
AARP Community Challenge Grant Year: 2019
Project Category: Public space activation
Description: Andrew College activated an empty space in downtown Cuthbert into a practical, attractive gathering space, which they dubbed Magnolia Alley. Two murals by Andrew College artists already decorated the alley, since the college hosts events in the adjoining square. To make the space more useable for famers markets, art receptions and other gatherings, volunteers added benches, lighting and a hardwood pergola to provide shade.
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