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Town of Cascade (2020) Print
2020 AARP Community Challenge Grantee
Project Category
Public places
└ Park enhancements
└ Park enhancements
The Town of Cascade created an accessible picnic area in North Railroad Park, within walking distance of many local amenities. Town staff poured a concrete pad for the site, where they installed a walled seating area with two ADA-compliant picnic tables and a new flagpole. The local garden club lent a hand by filling at the site planters with flowers. Each year, the Town evaluates the accessibility of the projects it undertakes, and town leaders are committed to providing gathering spaces where residents of all abilities can gather.
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See More Projects Like This One
Matanuska-Susitna Borough, AK
AARP Community Challenge Grant Year: 2020
Project Category: Park enhancements
Description: In partnership with Great Land Trust and Matanuska-Susitna Borough, the Mat-Su Trails and Parks Foundation constructed an ADA-accessible, scenic overlook viewing platform at the newly opened Settlers Bay Coastal Park. The platform, which includes a safety railing and seating, allows visitors of all abilities to enjoy the panoramic views at Mat-Su Valley's first and only coastal park. Prior to the development of Settlers Bay Coastal Park, locals lacked access to public lands for outdoor recreation. At an unveiling event for the new platform, the Great Land Trust announced they had acquired an additional 180 acres of land adjacent to the existing park, expanding the total permanently protected land area to 500 acres.
East Providence, RI
AARP Community Challenge Grant Year: 2018
Project Category: Park enhancements
Description: The City of East Providence set out to support intergenerational activities in a dense residential neighborhood. To achieve this, they made improvements to a park frequented by residents of all ages. The City installed benches, ADA-accessible picnic tables and game tables in Central Avenue Park. The improvements allow grandparents to sit and watch their grandchildren play in the park's splash pad, older adults to engage youth in a game of checkers or chess and families to enjoy a picnic together. Organizers say the project helped East Providence realize the final elements of their recently completed parks master plan.
Waycross, GA
AARP Community Challenge Grant Year: 2024
Project Category: Park enhancements
Description: Bazemore Park had no seating or shade, leaving older adults without a safe, comfortable place to gather or enjoy nature. To address this, the agency installed a 12-foot octagonal gazebo with benches and added string lights for usability. Volunteers assembled the structure and hosted a ribbon-cutting celebration. The new covered space now serves as a hub for social connection near homes, churches and a fire station, encouraging outdoor activity and community events-benefits tied to improved health and reduced isolation.
Nearby AARP Community Challenge Projects
Great Falls, MT
AARP Community Challenge Grant Year: 2021
Project Category: Engaging residents alongside thought leaders in problem solving
Description: As part of its work to reduce violence and promote equality and fairness in Great Falls, the YMCA Great Falls conducted a series of workshops. Focused on racial equity and justice, organizers tailored the trainings to reach a multigenerational audience. Workshop moderators included individuals from different tribal communities and religious backgrounds. Topics included community dialogue, kindness, inclusion and promoting dignity.
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