Dayton, OH

AARP Community Challenge Grant Year: 2020

Project Category: Park enhancements

Description: CityWide transformed a vacant lot into a new, more inviting entrance to Welcome Park in Dayton's Carillon neighborhood. The organization cleared overgrowth and dead trees from the site, replaced fencing and installed new informational signs. To give visitors a spot to rest, they placed benches along the park's walking path. CityWide also widened the entrance to conform to Americans with Disabilities Act accessibility standards. Throughout the project, CityWide gathered feedback and ideas from residents. A community-led branding effort informed the design of the park's new sign, as well as a dedication plaque honoring a local advocate. Project organizers say they hope this project serves as a model for meaningful community engagement as the community plans for future park improvements.

Oxford, OH

AARP Community Challenge Grant Year: 2017

Project Category: Supporting family caregivers

Description: Oxford Seniors provides services to older residents, including transportation and meal deliveries and a day service for special-needs older adults unable to stay home by themselves. This project created the Oxford Area Community Resource Directory, a 50-page resource guide for older adults and their families. The guide contains a wide range of information for older residents, from listings for public agencies and health and wellness program to credit counseling, mental health care and home repair services. The organization publicized the guide by sending postcards to 14,000 households and staging a launch event. In 2020, Oxford Seniors and other community groups released an updated version of the guide.