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Vida McKenzie Community Center (2023) Print
2023 AARP Community Challenge Grantee
Project Category
Public places
└ Accessibility of amenities
└ Accessibility of amenities
Vida McKenzie Community Center rebuilt its role as a community hub by installing an advanced AV system with a Hearing Loop. This upgrade removed barriers for residents with hearing loss, allowing older adults to fully participate in events like concerts, workshops and social gatherings. Public classes will teach users how to connect their hearing aids to the system, ensuring long-term accessibility. One attendee shared, "The sound quality in the new Vida McKenzie Community System is amazing. It made it possible for me to fully engage in last Saturday's workshop."
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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See More Projects Like This One
Maricopa County, AZ
AARP Community Challenge Grant Year: 2024
Project Category: Accessibility of amenities
Description: Outdated technology threatened the audio service that thousands of older adults rely on for news, health information and election details. Sun Sounds upgraded six recording booths and a Master Control computer, giving volunteer readers, many age 50-plus, the tools to produce clearer, more efficient programming. The improvements ensure uninterrupted access to vital information for listeners statewide. One listener said the service made it possible to be an informed voter and stay connected through programs on health, hobbies and local news. Plans are underway to extend upgrades to other stations.
Project description was created using generative AI and then reviewed for accuracy.
Grand Junction, CO
AARP Community Challenge Grant Year: 2019
Project Category: Accessibility of amenities
Description: Mesa County public library staff had repurposed a lot next to the central library building into a discovery garden for residents of all ages to enjoy. This project made accessibility upgrades to the downtown Grand Junction space. First, mulch covering the site made maneuvering difficult for people with mobility challenges. To make pathways in the garden ADA-compliant, volunteers replaced the mulch with decomposed granite. They also added benches adorned with nature scenes to beautify the garden and give visitors a place to sit. Each bench has a unique design theme: mineral, plant, animal and water. Project organizers say the improvements have made the garden more inviting and accessible for visitors.
Emmett, ID
AARP Community Challenge Grant Year: 2022
Project Category: Accessibility of amenities
Description: To overcome limited hours and curbside-only service, the library installed a remote locker system and built a service patio with benches, giving patrons 24/7 access to reserved materials and a place to sit and use Wi-Fi. The project boosted library use and inspired plans for similar units in new housing developments. One older neighbor now visits anytime her helper is available, saying she appreciates having a space to hang out as well as get her library requests from the locker.
Project description was created using generative AI and then reviewed for accuracy.
Nearby AARP Community Challenge Projects
Eugene, OR
AARP Community Challenge Grant Year: 2017
Project Category: Accessory dwelling units, tiny homes and manufactured housing
Description: SquareOne Villages constructed two ADA-compliant tiny houses at Emerald Village Eugene, a permanently affordable tiny home co-op. The 1.1 acre location features 22 tiny houses, ranging in size from 160- to 288-square-feet. Each contains a kitchenette, bathroom and sleeping and living areas. Private donations and in-kind contributions by local architects, builders and others funded the project, with future residents contributed their labor during construction. As a result, construction costs came to around 55,000 per unit, including the price of the land. The monthly cost to residents ranges from 200 to 300 and covers utilities, maintenance, operating costs and common spaces. As members of a housing cooperative, the residents own shares in the village, enabling each to receive some money if they choose to move out. To promote diverse housing options, organization also hosted two workshops on accessory dwellings unit in Eugene.
Eugene, OR
AARP Community Challenge Grant Year: 2024
Project Category: Digital Connectivity for Disasters
Description: Frequent power outages in Eugene left older adults without reliable communication during emergencies, creating safety risks and isolation. The council installed two permanent emergency Wi-Fi hubs and a mobile unit, distributed 50 solar or rechargeable power packs and educated residents on using these resources. These improvements strengthened disaster preparedness and digital connectivity, ensuring access to vital information and contact with loved ones. Residents reported feeling safer and more connected, with plans to replicate the program citywide. One participant said, "We can send messages and let our children know how we are doing."
Project description was created using generative AI and then reviewed for accuracy.
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