AARP Eye Center
)
.jpg?crop=true&anchor=13,195&q=80&color=ffffffff&u=lywnjt&w=2008&h=1154)
AARP Livable Communities Map
Summers County Huddle (2021) Print
2021 AARP Community Challenge Grantee
Project Category
Public places
└ Park enhancements
└ Park enhancements
Hinton's west side -- home to many older adults and lower-income families -- was without a public greenspace or playground. Summers County Huddle decided to change that, creating the All Aboard Community Park on a parcel of land donated to the City of Hinton. Volunteers installed a gazebo, raised planter beds and playground equipment onsite. To serve people of all ages, the playground structures can double as exercise equipment for adults. Partnering with the City and local organizations, Summers County Huddle pulled together a team of intergenerational volunteers to build and maintain the park. Since the project's completion, many volunteers have continued to brainstorm ways to improve the neighborhood, including repairing sidewalks, installing lights and addressing vacancy.
Photo Gallery
Image:
Click on a photo to learn more
See More Projects Like This One
Reedsville, WV
AARP Community Challenge Grant Year: 2024
Project Category: Park enhancements
Description: This project will install an ADA-compliant water fountain in a town park that is undergoing renovation.
Lake City, CO
AARP Community Challenge Grant Year: 2019
Project Category: Park enhancements
Description: Lake City DIRT and town officials built a wood-framed pavilion in a park to house cultural, educational, recreational and community events. Construction finished in time for the pavilion to serve as an outdoor dining area during COVID-19 shutdowns in 2020. Since installation, project organizers have seen a 60 percent uptick in visitors in the area.
Bartlett, KS
AARP Community Challenge Grant Year: 2021
Project Category: Park enhancements
Description: As part of the City of Bartlett's efforts to revitalize its downtown, City leaders hoped to bring residents a new outdoor space. In 2008, the local land bank donated a Main Street parcel to the city for a new park. However, a lapse in funding left many areas of the long-planned green space underused. This project added a small shelter house, picnic tables and children's playground equipment to the park. A team of local multigenerational volunteers completed the work.
Nearby AARP Community Challenge Projects
Hinton, WV
AARP Community Challenge Grant Year: 2017
Project Category: Public space activation
Description: Hinton's historic district was created in the 1980s, but public interest for the district had waned over the years. To foster community pride and educate residents, the local Historic Landmarks Commission purchased and installed plaques on significant buildings in Hinton's historic district. The plaques provide information about the significance of each location. To further draw people in, the commission established a walking tour, which it promoted online and by printing and distributing brochures. Because tourism is an important local economic driver, so the commission has coordinated with the local visitors center to promote the tour.
Ronceverte, WV
AARP Community Challenge Grant Year: 2020
Project Category: Public space activation
Description: To give residents an outdoor space to gather, this project set out to create a pocket park in downtown Ronceverte. Organizers poured topsoil to level out the site and added benches and raised flower beds. A mural is also planned for the site.
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 West Virginia State Office
300 Summers Street
Suite 400
Charleston, WV 25301
United States