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Special Olympics Alaska (2023) Print
2023 AARP Community Challenge Grantee
Project Category
Public places
└ Park enhancements
└ Park enhancements
Special Olympics Alaska expanded its outdoor space to give older adults more ways to stay active and connected. The project added three turf bocce courts, ADA-compliant benches and picnic tables, shade umbrellas and a water refill station. These upgrades created a safe, welcoming environment for recreation and social engagement. Participation in bocce doubled, and one athlete noted the improvements made the courts safe for his walker and that the benches "made it feel inclusive and welcoming."
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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New Milford, CT
AARP Community Challenge Grant Year: 2018
Project Category: Park enhancements
Description: To create social opportunities for people of all ages, the Town of New Milford added benches and game top tables along the walkway to the Young's Field Park. Town employees installed the tables, which can host chess and checkers games. Project organizers say they hope the tables encourage intergenerational activities in the riverfront park. Today, teens from a New Milford High School after-school club use the table for regular games with players from the New Milford Senior Center.
Leadville, CO
AARP Community Challenge Grant Year: 2019
Project Category: Park enhancements
Description: Many residents weren't aware of underused park in Leadville's downtown. To increase the park's visibility, the City revamped the space. They replaced eight benches and installed twinkle lights and a permanent fire pit made from a converted ore cart. Community members chipped in by creating mosaics on planters and painting a mural. The City held a well-attended kick-off party for the park, which featured fire pits and giveaways.
Chappell, NE
AARP Community Challenge Grant Year: 2023
Project Category: Park enhancements
Description: Chappell Lakes aging facilities made visits less safe and enjoyable for older adults. The city upgraded bathrooms with automatic fixtures, replaced rotted poles, added solar lights for night fishing and installed durable picnic tables under shelters. Volunteers pitched in to paint and assemble items. These improvements created a cleaner, safer space for daily recreation and gatherings. One resident mentioned how peaceful it is now to sit out and enjoy the night and enjoy time with neighbors.
Nearby AARP Community Challenge Projects
Anchorage, AK
AARP Community Challenge Grant Year: 2017
Project Category: Engaging people in transportation options/safety
Description: Alaska Trails worked with Bike Anchorage to shape sustainable transportation in Anchorage. The two organizations educated residents about the city's Non-Motorized Transportation Plan, an effort to integrate bike, pedestrian and train networks into a multi-modal system. They also informed residents about Anchorage's Complete Streets policy, which aims to remake city streets to safely accommodate pedestrians, bicyclists, drivers and bus riders of all ages and abilities. In addition, Alaska Trails supported Safe Routes to School, an initiative that promotes walking and bicycling to school. This outreach effort included social media posts, print and television news coverage and a newsletter. Alaska Trails continues to work to encourage locals to use the state's trails and each year Bike Anchorage holds a Winter Bike Fest to promote cycling in the city.
Anchorage, AK
AARP Community Challenge Grant Year: 2024
Project Category: Roadway/sidewalks/crosswalk improvement
Description: Anchorage lacked safe bike routes downtown, discouraging older adults from riding beyond trails and limiting access to social destinations. Bike Anchorage introduced a two-way protected bike lane and hosted nine group rides, including a Senior Center block party, to help residents experience the new design. Riders received safety gear and repair kits, building confidence and community support. The pilot cleared the way for future bike infrastructure. One participant said the rides showed bike lanes "aren't just infrastructure, they're a catalyst for community connection."
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