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Town of Warrenton (2020) Print
2020 AARP Community Challenge Grantee
Project Category
Public places
└ Park enhancements
└ Park enhancements
To guide redevelopment of Eva Walker Park, this project developed a master plan to guide improvements to the beloved community space. Goals in the plan include enhancing a popular sledding hill with slides and a new staircase, constructing an amphitheater and pavilions and creating new basketball courts, gardens, paths and a playground. To kick off the plan's implementation, the Town created a contemplative garden at the park, adding benches, new landscaping, a concrete pathway and a decorative panel to beautify the park's gateway.
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Manchester, NH
AARP Community Challenge Grant Year: 2018
Project Category: Park enhancements
Description: Part of larger efforts to draw people to spend time in downtown Manchester, this project made placemaking improvements to Arms Park. Manchester Connects engaged a local company to design custom chairs for the space, which can gently rock. Additionally, they installed picnic tables, benches and a concrete cornhole set in the park. The park -- located on the banks of the Merrimack River -- is a historic place in the city's core. Organizers hope the new amenities help the park act as a third space -- a public place people can gather without having to spend money.
Foley, AL
AARP Community Challenge Grant Year: 2021
Project Category: Park enhancements
Description: Organizers thought Foley Park -- a small green space next to a middle school -- had untapped potential. Foley Main Street and the City of Foley transformed the park into a local music destination. Redubbing the space Freenotes Harmony Park, Foley Main Street installed a collection of outdoor musical instruments, including contrabass chimes, an orange swirl, a yellow imbraimba and rainbow drums. The instruments are designed to be easy to play -- similar to a xylophone, the imbarimba has 22 fiberglass keys of varying lengths, which sit atop metal chimes. Visitors can play the instrument by striking the keys with the attached mallets. The instruments weren't the only upgrade to the pocket park. The City also assed an amphitheater with lights, power outlets and an ADA-compliant stage. Since their installation, the instruments have created an outdoor classroom for middle school students on weekdays, as well as a gathering place for residents of all ages on evenings and weekends.
Arlee, MT
AARP Community Challenge Grant Year: 2023
Project Category: Park enhancements
Description: Older adults in Arlee lacked places to gather, leaving many isolated from community life. That changed when picnic tables and benches were added to the new garden site, giving residents a spot to rest, share stories and watch volunteers harvest more than 4,600 pounds of fresh produce. Three generations joined cleanup and planting events, turning the space into a hub for connection. Older adults now have a welcoming place to join the conversation, and plans for an expanded garden and orchard promise even more opportunities to strengthen ties and advance food sovereignty.
Project description was created using generative AI and then reviewed for accuracy.
Nearby AARP Community Challenge Projects
Haymarket, VA
AARP Community Challenge Grant Year: 2025
Project Category: Park enhancements
Description: A degraded stretch of trail at Leopold's Preserve lacked habitat value and offered no accessible seating, making it difficult for older adults and visitors with mobility challenges to rest while enjoying the area. The White House Farm Foundation restored the space by planting 83 native trees and shrubs with the help of volunteers and installing two recycled benches that provide scenic resting spots. As the plantings mature, the trail will attract more birds and wildlife, creating a more enjoyable experience for visitors. Volunteers, including older adults who supported the project, expressed enthusiasm about continuing restoration work, strengthening long-term stewardship at the Preserve.
Project description was created using generative AI and then reviewed for accuracy.
Culpeper, VA
AARP Community Challenge Grant Year: 2021
Project Category: Public or private transit access
Description: To inform older adults in rural Virginia about regional transportation options, the Rappahannock-Rapidan Regional Commission launched its Trusted Community Partner campaign. The initiative awards a gold seal designation to vetted transportation service providers in Culpeper, Fauquier, Madison, Orange and Rappahannock Counties. Organizers then worked to educate the community about the seal's significance. To reach residents, the Commission distributed fliers describing the program, created a website and installed benches with advertising. Organizers also presented at nearly 150 community meetings. Additionally, they displayed information about the TCP seal on passenger vans, which they drove through the community. Ultimately, the Commission hopes the seal inspires trust among older adults looking for transportation options. Every provider displaying the TCP gold seal must use drivers that are screened, trained and insured.
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