AARP Hearing Center
AARP Livable Communities Map
Wheeling Heritage (2023) Print
2023 AARP Community Challenge Grantee
Project Category
Public places
└ Public space activation
└ Public space activation
Wheeling Heritage turned a vacant downtown lot into a pocket park, giving residents and older adults a safe, inviting place to gather. Volunteers helped install benches, garden beds, game tables and art features, along with pet-friendly amenities and lighting. The park now offers a quiet spot for relaxation and recreation and is expected to complement nearby plaza events. A local business owner said, "It's great to see others taking pride in the positive momentum happening at Market Plaza."
Project description was created using generative AI and then reviewed for accuracy.
Project description was created using generative AI and then reviewed for accuracy.
Photo Gallery
Image:
Click on a photo to learn more
See More Projects Like This One
Dade City, FL
AARP Community Challenge Grant Year: 2024
Project Category: Public space activation
Description: Community parks lacked ADA-compliant picnic tables, leaving older adults and families without safe, comfortable places to gather. Responding to resident requests, the city installed 10 sturdy tables with signage and concrete pads across multiple parks, creating accessible spaces for rest and celebration. These upgrades encourage older adults to spend more time outdoors, walk to parks and connect with loved ones. Residents shared excitement on social media, saying they plan to visit more often now that seating is available, making Dade City parks more inviting for people of all ages.
Project description was created using generative AI and then reviewed for accuracy.
Atlanta, GA
AARP Community Challenge Grant Year: 2021
Project Category: Public space activation
Description: Woodruff Park's game cart allows visitors to borrow games, sports equipment and other recreation items at no charge. To improve the kiosk's appearance and attract visitors, the Atlanta Downtown Improvement District partnered with local graphic design students to create highly visible decals. They also used checkerboard decals to convert round park tables into game tables. Finally, the organization purchased new supplies for the game cart, including coloring books, watercolor paint kits and markers and crayons. Following the improvements, the BID used the tabled to host chess tournaments, which attracted new visitors to the park.
Greeley, IA
AARP Community Challenge Grant Year: 2022
Project Category: Public space activation
Description: Greeley lacked a downtown corridor and gathering spaces, leaving residents without a sense of place. The project installed decorative light poles along State Highway 38, creating a focal point and sparking community pride. The grant also prompted events like a car cruise and soup supper, which had not occurred in years, and helped raise funds for future improvements. One volunteer said, "I think it's great for our small town and it's a great starting point for more good things to come." Plans include adding more light poles and playground equipment to continue revitalization.
Project description was created using generative AI and then reviewed for accuracy.
Nearby AARP Community Challenge Projects
Wheeling, WV
AARP Community Challenge Grant Year: 2024
Project Category: Community Gardens
Description: Warwood lacked a safe, accessible space for growing food and connecting neighbors, leaving older adults with few options for activity and healthy eating. Volunteers transformed a vacant lot into the Loveland Community Garden with 20 raised beds, a storage shed, fencing and benches designed for accessibility. Level paths and recycled-plastic benches made gardening possible for those with mobility challenges. The garden now fosters intergenerational ties, with older adults sharing tips and students forming clubs. Plans for workshops and selling excess crops at local markets promise lasting community engagement.
Project description was created using generative AI and then reviewed for accuracy.
Wellsburg, WV
AARP Community Challenge Grant Year: 2022
Project Category: Park enhancements
Description: Wellsburg's parks offered few options for older adults, and pickleball's growing popularity highlighted the lack of courts and seating. The project added two new courts, ADA-compliant picnic tables and a memo board, creating a more inclusive space for play and socializing. These upgrades reduced wait times and sparked new partnerships and plans for tournaments. One longtime player said, "Before, we had to drag big wooden picnic tables... Now, we have the luxury of having our own tables!"
Project description was created using generative AI and then reviewed for accuracy.
LEARN MORE AND STAY INFORMED
Find articles and resources about making communities more livable for people of all ages
Download or order free publications from AARP Livable Communities
Sign up for the free, weekly, award-winning AARP Livable Communities eNewsletter
Don't see your community listed?
LEARN HOW IT CAN JOIN THE NETWORKConnect with your AARP State Office
AARP has offices in all 50 states as well as in the District of Columbia, Puerto Rico and the U.S. Virgin Islands.
AARP West Virginia State Office
300 Summers Street
Suite 400
Charleston, WV 25301
United States