2024 Community Challenge Grantee: Surface Challenge

In 2012, Sue Paul, a brain health expert who has studied, written about, and spoken to large groups on wellness and aging, walked into the Frederick mayor's office to pitch her idea for a "dementia-friendly" park for seniors.

"I realized that I needed to create a nonprofit to make this initiative more legitimate," Paul said. In 2017, she founded SeniorScapes and expanded her partnership with the city of Frederick while doing fundraising to lay the foundation for the park.

When interviewing seniors during the development phase of the "Surface Challenge" project, she learned that some seniors found the idea of going to their local park intimidating. "Most said they like going to the park but end up sitting on a bench. The bathrooms are inaccessible. The kids in the park, the skateboarders, and the loud music scare them," she said.

"One couple said they had to walk a long distance at a park to find a railing to hold on to for exercise. I saw we were missing the point of giving seniors an accessible, walkable, safe space."

SeniorScapes and The City of Frederick joined forces to transform a designated area of Monocacy Village Park into a multi-generational space designed for people over 50. The "Surface Challenge" design, with its specialized equipment and walking surfaces, is set to create a secure space for seniors to practice basic mobility, increase lower body strength, improve balance, and promote socialization.

By simulating real-world scenarios through varied walking surfaces and challenges, the project aims to boost seniors' confidence and adaptability, fostering a sense of hope and optimism.

The AARP Community Challenge Grant funding, a crucial support for the project, will cover the construction and equipment costs. Local volunteers will participate in the installation of the equipment and will support future community events. Paul said AARP was an early supporter of the “Surface Challenge” initiative, and the project aligns with AARP's vision for creating vibrant public spaces that promote active aging, a vision that the community deeply appreciates.

Paul describes the "Surface Challenge" fitness initiative as "a deterrent from wandering." She's looking forward to seeing more Surface Challenge spaces in Maryland.

"Now that I actually see it happening, I hope it's part of a network of accessible, walkable, green, age-friendly amenities and spaces that contribute to a more equitable community environment."