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Wassmuth Center for Human Rights (2022) Print
2022 AARP Community Challenge Grantee
Project Category
Public places
└ Park enhancements
└ Park enhancements
The Anne Frank Human Rights Memorial lacked a sound system, making it difficult for attendees-especially older adults-to hear speakers during events. To improve accessibility, the center secured materials necessary to install a loudspeaker system, working with city officials and contractors to finalize plans. Four events are scheduled to use the new system. The upgrade will make programs and community gatherings more inclusive and is expected to attract more events, strengthening engagement with the memorial's educational mission.
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
South Sioux City, NE
AARP Community Challenge Grant Year: 2022
Project Category: Park enhancements
Description: Siouxland Freedom Park lacked accessible paths, making it difficult for older adults and veterans with mobility challenges to reach its memorials. The project installed more than 8,000 square feet of concrete walkways connecting features like the Freedom Rock, gazebo and interpretive center, along with permanent signage. These improvements not only allow visitors to navigate the park safely but also spurred major investments, including plans for parking areas and a Korean War Memorial. This will create an even more inclusive space for reflection and connection.
Project description was created using generative AI and then reviewed for accuracy.
Cleveland, OH
AARP Community Challenge Grant Year: 2018
Project Category: Park enhancements
Description: Pickleball -- a game that's a combination of tennis and ping pong -- has exploded in popularity. Because of its relatively small court, the sport involves less running, making it gentler on knees and joints than tennis, so it's particularly appealing to older adults. To accommodate demand for playing space, the City of Findlay converted unused, dilapidated tennis courts in Riverside Park into eight new pickleball courts. Bleacher seating onsite enables the new courts to host leagues and tournaments. Project organizers also installed a bulletin board for sharing information, as well as a wind screen to shield players. Since construction completed, City staff report the courts are full nearly every morning.
Cut Bank, MT
AARP Community Challenge Grant Year: 2022
Project Category: Park enhancements
Description: Cut Bank's dog park lacked shade, seating and accessible paths, leaving older adults with few options for safe outdoor recreation. The city added an ADA-compliant paved walking path, benches and shaded structures, creating a level route for older adults and people with mobility challenges. Signage and outreach raised awareness, turning the park into a gathering place for residents and their pets. Residents from nearby housing now use the space regularly, and one person shared during Walktoberfest that they appreciated "a level walking path... not linear so could walk for as long or short a time as they wanted."
Project description was created using generative AI and then reviewed for accuracy.
Nearby AARP Community Challenge Projects
Boise, ID
AARP Community Challenge Grant Year: 2022
Project Category: Public space activation
Description: Through seven pop-up placemaking events, this project enlivened the downtown area with outdoor games and activities.
Kuna, ID
AARP Community Challenge Grant Year: 2017
Project Category: Public space activation
Description: Kuna has a large parking lot in the center of its downtown that goes largely underused for most of the year. To spark the community's imagination, the City and Idaho Smart Growth hosted the Park for a Day event, which turned the lot into a pop-up plaza. The event featured live music, a food vendor and sketches illustrating ways the space could be permanently transformed. Attendees also contributed their own designs for the parking lot. Suggestions included using the space for a series of short-term, recurring events, such as an Oktoberfest, a Christmas village, a renaissance fair or themed dance nights. The City went on to explore several ideas from the pop-up event, including paving the parking lot with solar panels and installing green stormwater infrastructure to sustain landscaping at the site.
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