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Vallecitos Community Center and Library (2021) Print
2021 AARP Community Challenge Grantee
Project Category
Public places
└ Accessibility of amenities
└ Accessibility of amenities
Many residents in Vallecitos live without high-speed internet or even cellphone service. Because of these coverage gaps, the Vallecitos Library and Community Center is one of the only places people can get online to access community services and socialize with their neighbors. To make the facility more accessible for people of all ages, the library built a covered walkway and footbridge that connects from the parking lot into the building. This project installed metal panels and support posts, which allow the walkway to withstand high winds, provide shade from the sun and shield residents from rain.
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Mobile, AL
AARP Community Challenge Grant Year: 2017
Project Category: Accessibility of amenities
Description: Victory Teaching Farm in midtown Mobile is an urban teaching farm that aims to teach locals the benefits of growing their own food in a sustainable way. This project built a garden deck designed to be accessible for people with disabilities. The deck features a ramp for those who use wheelchairs, along with raised garden beds of various heights. Victory joined with AARP Alabama for a ribbon-cutting ceremony in December 2017, and a large group of adults with disabilities and special needs participated. Since then, Victory Teaching Garden continues to promote urban gardening for everyone with events. This included hosting a virtual What's Growing On advice session with AARP Alabama in March 2022.
Knik-Fairview, AK
AARP Community Challenge Grant Year: 2021
Project Category: Accessibility of amenities
Description: Settler's Bay Park in Mat-Sui Valley is a sanctuary for residents and tourists seeking to view migratory birds and spawning salmon. To make the park ADA-compliant, the Anchorage Great Land Trust installed an accessible scenic overlook platform with seating. The platform enables park visitors of all ages and abilities to enjoy majestic views of Cook Inlet from the area's only coastal park.
Victor, ID
AARP Community Challenge Grant Year: 2019
Project Category: Accessibility of amenities
Description: To help residents with mobility challenges access its facilities, the Valley of the Tetons Library received new stairs and an outdoor gathering area. Organizers replaced the old, uneven stairs with a new staircase featuring steps that are a uniform size and shape, a larger landing and safety railings. Additionally, library staff poured a concrete patio and added benches and planters outside the library's entrance. This created an outdoor area where library patrons can access free Wi-Fi, even when the library is closed for the day. We provide a lot more things than books, program specialist Rasheil Stranger said.
Nearby AARP Community Challenge Projects
Dulce, NM
AARP Community Challenge Grant Year: 2025
Project Category: Public space activation
Description: This project will add an accessible walking path, shaded seating, picnic areas and fruit trees. This project aims to promote health, social engagement, and nutrition for older adults.
El Rito, NM
AARP Community Challenge Grant Year: 2022
Project Category: Public space activation
Description: This project upgraded thearea around the library by clearly separating parking from other areas with stanchions. Volunteers also added a sandbox, benches and a bicycle repair station.
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