2023 AARP Community Challenge Grantee
Wesselman Woods is thrilled to announce we have been selected to receive a 2023 AARP Community Challenge grant. We are one of only 310 grantees selected (out of over 3,600 applications) from across all 50 states, Washington D.C, Puerto Rico and the U.S. Virgin Islands.
With this quick-action grant, we will turn the 0.12-mile Wesselman Woods Mini Loop Trail into an ADA accessible path for persons with limited mobility.
The path will provide viewing access to the Alcoa Raptor Building which includes resident animal ambassadors such as the bald eagle, peregrine falcon, and great horned owl. The trail also provides a close-up view of our County Champion Tulip Tree. This same loop is frequented by guests who take tours at our annual Maple Sugarbush Festival.
“We are incredibly proud that AARP selected Wesselman Woods for this investment to make Evansville more livable for residents of all ages,” stated Director of Development Jerry Rairdon. “AARP is a nationwide leader in making communities more livable and we are honored that they see the tangible value this project will bring to our area.”
Work on the trail begins July 1, 2023, so stay tuned for updates!
About the Community Challenge
The AARP Community Challenge grant program funds innovative, quick-action projects that inspire change in areas such as public places; housing; transportation; diversity, equity, and inclusion; digital connections; community resilience; and more. With additional funding support from Toyota Motor North America, the program is also increasing its investment in projects that improve mobility innovation and transportation options.
This is all part of AARP’s nationwide work on livable communities, which supports the efforts of neighborhoods, towns, cities, and counties across the country to become great places for all. AARP believes that communities should provide safe, walkable streets; affordable and accessible housing and transportation options; access to needed services; and opportunities for residents to participate in community life.
To learn more about the projects being funded by the AARP Community Challenge across the nation, including all 310 granted projects this year, visit aarp.org/CommunityChallenge. You can also view an interactive map of all Community Challenge projects and AARP’s Livable Communities work at aarp.org/livable.
