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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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Lake Placid, FL
AARP Community Challenge Grant Year: 2020
Project Category: Park enhancements
Description: This project installed a 10-station fitness trail exercise system in the MLK Sports Field in Highway Park -- the only such amenity in Highlands County. Meant to help residents improve their physical health through stretching, flexing and balancing, the trail also acts as a destination for residents and seasonal visitors to socialize. For years the Highway Park Preservation and Enhancement District requested amenities to enhance the park without much success. But securing funding for the fitness trail spurred the County to invest in Highland Park, including adding drinking fountains, repainting fencing, cleaning up graffiti and resurfacing the softball diamond. In addition, two successful crowdfunding campaigns allowed for installation of restrooms and a new sunshade for the park's playground.
Anchorage, AK
AARP Community Challenge Grant Year: 2022
Project Category: Park enhancements
Description: Part of larger efforts to create its Sea Services Memorial Park, this project created an accessible plaza on the waterfront. The memorial is located at the USS Anchorage anchor site to honor two ships of that name, as well as the Navy's role in Dutch Harbor during World War II. Organizers worked to landscape the site and add seating. Additionally, they installed storyboards, which describe the ships' history and the local significance of the Sea Services. The park showcases the USS Anchorage's newly restored anchor, which weighs 22,500 pounds. Organizers say the gathering space is especially important for veterans, who make up a large share of Alaska's population.
Greensboro, VT
AARP Community Challenge Grant Year: 2022
Project Category: Park enhancements
Description: Residents wanted safe outdoor access for mobility and therapy, but uneven terrain limited independence. The project built a nature trail with accessible tread, a boardwalk, and an improved viewing platform. It also added benches and signage to connect with village sidewalks. Now residents, families and staff use the trail for exercise and quiet breaks, and community members walk there daily. "Our new path and viewing platform and benches are being used... as a quiet, serene, restful place to regroup," said staff.
Project description was created using generative AI and then reviewed for accuracy.
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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