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Village of Hyde Park (2017) Print
2017 AARP Community Challenge Grantee
Project Category
Public places
└ Accessibility of amenities
└ Accessibility of amenities
Elsa French Park is a new pocket park featuring lilacs bushes and gardens planted on the grounds of an historic home. This project ensured the accessibility of the space for residents and visitors of all ages and ability levels. The Village of Hyde Park installed two ADA-accessible picnic tables, along with an accessible pathway with a ramp and detectible edges for visitors with disabilities. Project organizers say the improvements helped lay the groundwork for ongoing development of the site, which they envision as an important gathering space in a community that lacks a central town square. In addition, the Village has repurposed the house on the property to house municipal offices and a community meeting space.
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Sedgwick, ME
AARP Community Challenge Grant Year: 2023
Project Category: Accessibility of amenities
Description: The project will create an easily-traversed walking path and viewing platform, as well as a ramp that allowing for easy access to the shore.
Owensboro, KY
AARP Community Challenge Grant Year: 2021
Project Category: Accessibility of amenities
Description: The Bluegrass Music Hall of Fame and Museum is a destination for music lovers but accessibility features for people of all ages and abilities. The facility added an audio guide to their tours which help visitors with visual or hearing impairments experience exhibits with an accompanying audio narration. To access the guide, patrons can either use a smartphone app or borrow an audio player and disposable ear buds provided by the museum. The system also offers sign language tours, and the museum has induction loop technology for visitors with hearing aids. Visitors simply select an exhibit number -- identified with new signage -- to access in-depth stories and historical details.
Providence, RI
AARP Community Challenge Grant Year: 2025
Project Category: Accessibility of amenities
Description: This project will install handrails along the concrete ramp and stairs at Knight Memorial Library, enhancing safety and accessibility for older adults and individuals using canes, walkers, or wheelchairs.
Nearby AARP Community Challenge Projects
Wolcott, VT
AARP Community Challenge Grant Year: 2021
Project Category: Public space activation
Description: The Town of Wolcott lacked greenspace for community members to enjoy, so the Town transformed an unused space behind the local library into a new park. Dubbed Depot Park, the space includes a community garden with raised beds, as well as a public trailhead. To draw people in, volunteers installed outdoor games, solar-powered lighting, seating and free Wi-Fi access. Organizers wanted to make the park a year-round amenity, so they included a patio heater and bonfire. Additionally, the local fire department created a temporary ice-skating rink onsite. After completing the activation, the Town hosted its first community event in decades at Depot Park. Today, the library holds children's reading circles there. Plus, community members can harvest vegetables for free from the garden.
Greensboro, VT
AARP Community Challenge Grant Year: 2022
Project Category: Park enhancements
Description: To increase enjoyment of outdoor public places, this project built a nature trail and added a deck to the town's pond.
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