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Union Presbyterian Seminary (2022) Print
2022 AARP Community Challenge Grantee
Project Category
Public places
└ Park enhancements
└ Park enhancements
An eco-park lacked seating, signage and accessible paths, limiting older adults' ability to walk or join community programs. The seminary installed ADA-compliant picnic tables and benches, improved trails and added signage to create welcoming spaces. Volunteers helped assemble tables and supported intergenerational activities like a summer eco-camp. These upgrades removed barriers and encouraged social interaction. One group of longtime park users expressed gratitude for the new tables and benches, saying they finally had comfortable seating for daily gatherings.
Project description was created using generative AI and then reviewed for accuracy.
Project description was created using generative AI and then reviewed for accuracy.
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Clear Lake, SD
AARP Community Challenge Grant Year: 2023
Project Category: Park enhancements
Description: Clear Lakes main park lacked safe seating and drinking water, making it hard for older adults to watch games comfortably. The project installed two ADA-compliant benches with shaded canopies and a chilled water bottle filling station at Lavin Field, along with signage and supporting infrastructure. These upgrades provide lasting amenities for hydration and secure seating, reducing fall risks and promoting wellness. A resident noted she could now enjoy practices without climbing bleachers. Future plans include ribbon-cutting events and exploring similar improvements at other parks.
Naknek, AK
AARP Community Challenge Grant Year: 2018
Project Category: Park enhancements
Description: To keep residents of all ages active, this project set out to update outdoor fitness trails, providing space for people of all ages to engage with each other. Camai Community Center developed a summer walking path and winter ski trail. To offer the community an intergenerational activity, the organization created a story walk, which features pages of a storybook displayed in succession along the pathway. They then hosted invited local elders groups to walk the path with preschool children and read to them.
Osceola, AR
AARP Community Challenge Grant Year: 2021
Project Category: Park enhancements
Description: Osceola's Rosenwald Park has a popular playground and is located near the county's older adult residential and recreational facility but has always lacked a paved path and sufficient shade for visitors in the hotter months. To improve the park, the City of Osceola built an ADA-accessible walking track that encircles the playground and links it to the sidewalk at the Mississippi County Senior Center. Meanwhile, city planners also worked with a community donor to plant more than a dozen red oaks, which provide a lush, sustainable shade canopy. Organizers say the upgrades have made the park more user friendly for visitors of all ages and abilities.
Nearby AARP Community Challenge Projects
Richmond, VA
AARP Community Challenge Grant Year: 2020
Project Category: Roadway/sidewalks/crosswalk improvement
Description: Hundreds of elementary school students cross busy Lynhaven Avenue each day on their way to school in Richmond's Bellemeade neighborhood. Walk audits and other community engagement efforts have shown speeding and distracted driving are a common issue on the street. To slow down traffic and improve safety, Sports Backers commissioned local artists to create pavement murals at two intersections. Project organizers hope murals catch the attention of motorists, encouraging them to pay attention to the road and slow down.
Richmond, VA
AARP Community Challenge Grant Year: 2018
Project Category: Community Gardens
Description: The Greater Richmond Age Wave Coalition hoped to beautify the Green Park neighborhood and foster relationships between neighbors. To do this, the nonprofit worked to provide community gardening opportunities to residents. To allow older adults to grow produce at home, the nonprofit built 25 garden boxes. Additionally, they created an outdoor courtyard space with raised garden beds at Highland Park Apartments. The Coalition hired local youth to construct and deliver the self-water boxes. The Coalition also held two community gardening events. To help people participate, they offset a portion of public transportation fares for attendees. The Age Wave Coalition's gardening efforts operate under the talent-sharing model, which connects experienced gardeners with people interested learning more about growing fruits, vegetables, flowers and herbs.
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