Mannington, WV

AARP Community Challenge Grant Year: 2023

Project Category: Park enhancements

Description: This project will install outdoor fitness equipment at two different locations along a walking trail to provide older adults with an opportunity to get exercise in the outdoors.

Manchester, NH

AARP Community Challenge Grant Year: 2018

Project Category: Park enhancements

Description: Part of larger efforts to draw people to spend time in downtown Manchester, this project made placemaking improvements to Arms Park. Manchester Connects engaged a local company to design custom chairs for the space, which can gently rock. Additionally, they installed picnic tables, benches and a concrete cornhole set in the park. The park -- located on the banks of the Merrimack River -- is a historic place in the city's core. Organizers hope the new amenities help the park act as a third space -- a public place people can gather without having to spend money.

McComb, OH

AARP Community Challenge Grant Year: 2017

Project Category: Park enhancements

Description: McComb prides itself on the public park on the village's east side, which encompasses four baseball fields, tennis and basketball courts, a public pool, two reservoirs for boating, walking and fitness trails and a 36-hole disc golf course. The McComb Economic Development Organization installed drinking fountains and benches around the reservoir, plus a merry-go-round and several swings, including one designed specifically for wheelchair users. The park has remained an important community resource and serves as the location for events, such as the annual McComb Cookie Festival.