AARP Hearing Center
AARP Livable Communities Map
Town of Camp Verde Parks and Recreation Division (2021) Print
2021 AARP Community Challenge Grantee
Project Category
Public places
└ Accessibility of amenities
└ Accessibility of amenities
After a resident complained to the mayor that she couldn't walk the 1.6-mile trail circling Camp Verde's new multi-use park and outdoor sports complex without a spot to rest, project organizers set out to add amenities to make the path more accessible. The Camp Verde Parks and Recreation Department added eight benches along the trail, placing each bench in areas popular with older adults. The local Old Guys volunteer group, which brings together retired residents with construction expertise to do community improvement projects, did the installation. As construction continues on the sports complex, project organizers say they will look for additional places to offer seating, ensuring the facilities can welcome people of all ages and abilities.
Photo Gallery
Image:
Click on a photo to learn more
See More Projects Like This One
Londonderry, NH
AARP Community Challenge Grant Year: 2019
Project Category: Accessibility of amenities
Description: To increase accessibility in its public spaces, the Town of Londonderry installed ten park benches in the Town Common and adjacent Kent Allen Town Forest. This accessibility upgrade sparked additional work there, including drainage improvements and the addition of native plants to the forest. In addition, the local Girl Scout troop installed a story book trail at the site. Since adding the benches, the town has also seen increased trail usage.
Missoula, MT
AARP Community Challenge Grant Year: 2019
Project Category: Accessibility of amenities
Description: To expand access to people who have historically been left out of caving, spelunking and speleology activities, the Montana State Parks Foundation installed a new ADA-compliant weather and shade covering at the entrance to the Lewis and Clark Caverns Paradise Room. Since the project completed, thousands of tours of the cave's magnificent Paradise Room have taken place. The Montana State Parks Foundation has also secured more funding and has made similar accessibility improvements at other parks across the state. The project brought in new partners, increased community awareness of accessibility efforts and led to increased engagement from volunteers and visitors.
Saco, ME
AARP Community Challenge Grant Year: 2018
Project Category: Accessibility of amenities
Description: Saco is a coastal community with seven miles of sandy beaches. Until recently, there was no beach access for people using wheelchairs or other mobility devices. That changed thanks to the purchase and installation of three ADA-compliant beach mats. The mats run from a parking lot to the high tide mark, as well as parallel to the beach. Grant funding from AARP also helped Saco attract a donation from the local Rotary Club to purchase a beach wheelchair and beach walker. Lifeguards manage and loan out the accessibility equipment.
Nearby AARP Community Challenge Projects
Camp Verde, AZ
AARP Community Challenge Grant Year: 2022
Project Category: Park enhancements
Description: The Town of Camp Verde's Parks & Recreation Division thought the community's outdoor pool had potential as an event and education space. To achieve their vision, volunteers laid concrete pavers, installed shade structures and added picnic tables. They also constructed a new fence to the patio. The improvements allowed the Town to increase recreational programming onsite, including exercise classes and a summer camp. Additionally, families can lease the space for parties and other gatherings.
Cottonwood, AZ
AARP Community Challenge Grant Year: 2023
Project Category: Community Gardens
Description: Residents in transitional housing faced food insecurity and limited access to fresh produce, a concern for older adults who rarely had the chance to grow their own food. After construction setbacks, the coalition shifted plans and installed container gardens on a back deck. Despite pests and record heat, participants harvested tomatoes and peppers and learned basic gardening skills. The project sparked interest in self-reliance and created moments of connection. One volunteer said that quiet mornings in the garden helped him open up about personal struggles, leading to mental health support and steps toward employment.
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 Arizona State Office
7250 N 16th Street
Suite 302
Phoenix, AZ 85020
United States