AARP Hearing Center
AARP Livable Communities Map
Town of Bristol Improvements Board (2022) Print
2022 AARP Community Challenge Grantee
Project Category
Public places
└ Community Gardens
└ Community Gardens
Older adults in Bristol faced isolation and lacked accessible outdoor spaces for social interaction and wellness activities. The board created a vibrant outdoor area with ADA-compliant benches, raised garden beds and historical mural panels with QR codes. In addition, a digital historical repository and a veterans memorial were created, and LED lighting and signage were added to make the space safe and welcoming. The project fostered community pride and provided a gathering place for older adults and residents of all ages. It sparked interest in preserving local history and inspired plans for additional improvements, serving as a model for other rural towns.
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
Macon, GA
AARP Community Challenge Grant Year: 2026
Project Category: Community Gardens
Description: A neglected community garden will be restored with raised beds for shared planting and learning. Gardening activities will increase access to fresh food while encouraging intergenerational connection.
East Pittsburgh, PA
AARP Community Challenge Grant Year: 2026
Project Category: Community Gardens
Description: An underused neighborhood space will be transformed into an accessible community garden. The garden will offer older adults better access to fresh food, safe outdoor activity and a place to gather and connect with others.
Jacksonville, FL
AARP Community Challenge Grant Year: 2026
Project Category: Community Gardens
Description: An underused outdoor area will be transformed into an accessible community garden with raised beds and seating. Gardening spaces will encourage activity, learning and social time for older adults.
Nearby AARP Community Challenge Projects
Prowers County, CO
AARP Community Challenge Grant Year: 2023
Project Category: Public art installations
Description: Rising energy costs and water shortages threatened a new community center in Bristol. The project installed a 10 kW solar system and expanded a sensory garden with ADA-compliant seating and QR-coded murals to educate visitors. These upgrades now power the center and garden, saving thousands in energy costs and freeing funds for programs that support older adults. The effort sparked interest in future solar projects and positioned the center as a model for sustainable practices in rural communities.
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 Colorado State Office
303 E. 17th Avenue
Suite 510
Denver, CO 80203
United States