See More Projects Like This One

Randolph, VT

AARP Community Challenge Grant Year: 2020

Project Category: Park enhancements

Description: To give residents the opportunity to express themselves and connect with each other, Sunrise Rotary Club installed outdoor musical instruments near the town's recreational field. The new Harmony Park features chimes, drums, a xylophone, Imbarimbas and a harp. The Club also added benches to the space, along with a welcome sign informing visitors about the instruments.

Villisca, IA

AARP Community Challenge Grant Year: 2025

Project Category: Park enhancements

Description: Villisca residents have few nearby recreation options, and older adults in particular needed accessible activities that encourage movement and connection with younger family members. The Villisca Community Betterment Association revitalized the local walking trail and added 20 StoryWalk frames, creating an interactive reading path that supports physical activity and literacy. Volunteers age 50-plus led most of the work, completing trail repairs, landscaping 17 areas and restoring the bridge. The project strengthened community engagement and created a long-term asset that invites repeated visits. One family was moved to restore a memorial to their daughter and attended the ribbon cutting with relatives, showing how the upgraded trail renewed pride in the shared space.

Project description was created using generative AI and then reviewed for accuracy.

North Las Vegas, NV

AARP Community Challenge Grant Year: 2021

Project Category: Park enhancements

Description: North Las Vegas hoped to encourage residents to get outside for exercise and recreation. As part of its All the Best Paths are Taken by Foot campaign, the City installed concrete benches along walking paths within city parks. The benches sit along sidewalks and near outdoor athletic courts. When selecting parks to receive the benches, project organizers examined the existing amenities and prioritized areas with larger older adult populations. To help people navigate to nearby parks, the City erected wayfinding signs. Project organizers also launched a social media campaign and distributed flyers showcasing the improvements and describing the health benefits of walking.

Nearby AARP Community Challenge Projects

Litchfield, CT

AARP Community Challenge Grant Year: 2025

Project Category: Trails

Description: This project will install benches, bollards, and informational kiosks along a new trail connecting Litchfield and Bantam. These ADA-compliant features will enhance safety and accessibility for older adults and all visitors.

Bethel, CT

AARP Community Challenge Grant Year: 2024

Project Category: Accessibility of amenities

Description: Library programs often excluded people with hearing loss, especially older adults, because the community room lacked adaptive audio technology. The library installed a system that connects to its sound system and Wi-Fi, letting attendees control volume through personal devices or borrowed equipment. This upgrade improves access for library patrons, especially those with hearing challenges, enhancing participation in film screenings and educational programs. The system is also available to community groups using the space, fostering inclusion and engagement across events. One participant noted that she can now fully enjoy events without difficulty.

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

people icon

Download or order free publications from AARP Livable Communities

download icon

Sign up for the free, weekly, award-winning AARP Livable Communities eNewsletter

mail icon

Don't see your community listed?

LEARN HOW IT CAN JOIN THE NETWORK

Connect 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 Connecticut State Office

21 Oak Street
Suite 104
Hartford, CT 06106
United States

Phone: 866-295-7279
Fax: 860-249-7707
Email: [email protected]