TRENTON — As Eastern North Carolina heads into the 2019 Atlantic hurricane season, the town of Trenton plans to honor the rescuers who saved much of the community during last year’s storm by building a park. With the help of a 2019 AARP Community Action Grant, Trenton will make Rescuers’ Park a reality.

The downtown park will feature a freshwater pond and new landscaping to restore the town’s beauty.

“Jones County is very grateful to receive this $3,500 grant from AARP North Carolina,” Jones County Commissioner Charles Dunn Jr. said. “The support from AARP will help us build a place for all residents to enjoy.”

 AARP has funded community projects for decades, but this is the third year for the Community Action Grant.

“Our motto is to serve, and not to be served,” Michael Olender, manager of Outreach and Local Advocacy of AARP North Carolina, said.

Trenton’s desire to honor those that helped the community through the aftermath of a powerful hurricane fit the description of what AARP was looking for with their community action grants.

“Great use of public spaces connect people of all generations,” AARP Associate State Director for Wilmington and the Coast Suzanne Black said. “Trenton’s plans are simple and achievable. The grants were designed to help local leaders and organizations make immediate improvements that benefit residents of all ages.”

 In 2017, AARP received nearly 1,200 applications and chose 88 winning grantees. In 2018, for the second challenge, AARP received almost 1,600 applications and funded 129 quick-action projects. AARP Community Challenge quick-action grants can be used to support the following ready-to-go types of projects:

• Permanent physical improvements in the community

• Temporary demonstrations that lead to long-term change

• New, innovative programming or services

Grant recipients were selected by an AARP panel of experts on aging, community development and livable communities. Projects were judged on the degree to which their goals make an immediate change that leads to longer-term impact.

To learn more about the Community Challenge, visit AARP.org/CommunityChallenge.