Kansas City, KS

AARP Community Challenge Grant Year: 2024

Project Category: Accessibility of amenities

Description: Kansas City lacked seating in parks, bus stops and social service areas, leaving older adults without safe places to rest during long waits or walks. Deferred maintenance and concentrated development deepened this gap, especially in Justice40 neighborhoods. The project installed 12 benches, including buddy benches, at six parks across five neighborhoods, adding concrete pads and memorial plaques for durability. These benches improve comfort, accessibility and community connectedness while advancing the city's Community for All Ages initiative. "It may seem like a small thing... but many of our public spaces do not have places for people to sit," said one of the project planners.

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

Brooklyn Park, MN

AARP Community Challenge Grant Year: 2021

Project Category: Accessibility of amenities

Description: The City of Brooklyn Park hoped to improve the accessibility of its community events, making them more welcoming to residents with mobility challenges. So the City invested in portable mats, which event organizers can lay down to create a 360-foot accessible pathway. Additionally, the City purchased outdoor chairs to flank the path. Meant to be used across the community, the mats and chairs are easily stored and transported between event locations by city staff.

Brookings, SD

AARP Community Challenge Grant Year: 2026

Project Category: Accessibility of amenities

Description: The project will rebuild restrooms in a downtown building to create fully accessible, clearly signed public restrooms. The improved facilities will provide residents and visitors with a safe, comfortable option while spending time in the city center.