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Town of Bennington Office of Community Development (2019) Print
2019 AARP Community Challenge Grantee
Project Category
Public places
└ Park enhancements
└ Park enhancements
After the Town of Bennington removed an out-of-date play structure, Stark Street Park was essentially an empty field. To draw residents of all ages back to the Park, the Town's Office of Community Development devised a plan to add a natural playground, bicycle pump track and a quarter-mile walking path. This project added an accessible path, which loops around the playground. In addition, the Town planted a pollinator garden with perennial plants attractive to butterflies and bees, installed two wooden benches and erected a welcome sign at the park entrance. Since these improvements, the nearby hospital obtained land and trails, which connect to Stark Street Park. The town has also added a mountain bike course onsite.
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Taos, NM
AARP Community Challenge Grant Year: 2024
Project Category: Park enhancements
Description: This project will upgrade a farm that hosts agricultural and therapeutic activities for military veterans and other residents. The organization will install an ADA-compliant walking trail, add tables and benches and restore a wetland area.
Leipsic, OH
AARP Community Challenge Grant Year: 2019
Project Category: Park enhancements
Description: The Village of Leipsic installed a firepit with a pergola and adult swings in Bennett Park. The Village also provided permanent outdoor games for people of all ages, including four concrete cornhole boards and an outdoor checkers and chess board. Before these upgrades, community members considered the park a work in progress. But this project sparked additional investment in the park, including work to fix a drainage issue affecting a nearby playground. Bennett Park is an outstanding athletic complex being enhanced by a new community track, this funding will allow us to further develop playground and family attractions in our newest park, Village Administrator Justin Barnhart said.
La Union, NM
AARP Community Challenge Grant Year: 2024
Project Category: Park enhancements
Description: This project will install solar-powered lighting along a community center's walking trail to improve safety and allow people to gather and walk after dark. The organization will also lay crushed rock to prevent soil erosion.
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Albany, NY
AARP Community Challenge Grant Year: 2023
Project Category: Accessory dwelling units, tiny homes and manufactured housing
Description: This project will provide training and assistance to nonprofit organizations and community developers as part of an effort to increase the number of municipalities that permit accessory dwelling units (ADUs) in their zoning.
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AARP Community Challenge Grant Year: 2024
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