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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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Crossville, TN
AARP Community Challenge Grant Year: 2025
Project Category: Park enhancements
Description: This project will revitalize Veterans Memorial Park with ADA-compliant features to honor veterans and ensure safe access for all, especially older adults. The project includes safe seating, a wider walkway, and a stable surface.
Louisville, KY
AARP Community Challenge Grant Year: 2022
Project Category: Park enhancements
Description: In Louisville's California Neighborhood, decades of disinvestment left residents without safe green space. The project opened phase one of Alberta O. Jones Park, adding fitness stations designed for all ages, especially older adults. Residents helped select equipment, and a ribbon-cutting drew more than 200 people. The park now offers a walkable destination that encourages physical activity and social interaction in one of the city's most underserved neighborhoods, creating a model for community-driven park leadership.
Project description was created using generative AI and then reviewed for accuracy.
Three Forks, MT
AARP Community Challenge Grant Year: 2023
Project Category: Park enhancements
Description: Older adults using a popular walking loop in Three Forks lacked outdoor fitness options, especially for recovery after surgeries. To address this, the organization installed nine durable exercise stations-including torso twist, sky walker and dip bars-next to the level trail and near parking for easy access. The equipment creates a lasting resource for strength-building and rehabilitation in a natural setting. Feedback from users shows excitement among residents, and its metal design ensures long-term use for older adults seeking safe outdoor exercise.
Project description was created using generative AI and then reviewed for accuracy.
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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