Tempe plans dementia-friendly park
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Image: Courtesy of the City of Tempe
A unique age- and dementia-friendly park is coming to Tempe.
Why it matters: Older adults make up 20% of the country's population but only 4% of park users, and Arizona has America's fastest-growing rate of Alzheimer's disease, per the city.
The big picture: "Sometimes older adults and adults with dementia like a little bit more of a quiet area and a little bit more calming location, and that's what this park will address," Tempe Councilmember Doreen Garlid tells Axios.
- Garlid says her father had dementia, which is why the project is so important to her, and time outdoors in nature was the best medicine her family could provide.
Details: The project will be inside Kiwanis Park, with several features intended to make it accommodating to older people and people with dementia, as well as their caregivers.
- It'll have wide, shaded walking paths, benches with armrests and backrests, a ramada and "sensory landscaping designed to provide calming stimulation," according to the city.
- Caregivers will be able to accompany people with dementia, but it'll be fenced, allowing people to safely walk around on their own as well.
- There will also be fitness, interactive art and play components.
Catch up quick: The White House in 2015 designated Tempe as Arizona's first dementia-friendly city, and the AARP designated it an Age-Friendly Community in 2022.
What we're watching: Construction is expected to begin in 2028 and to last for less than a year, per Tempe spokesperson Susie Steckner.
- It will replace the Tempe Sister Cities Garden at Kiwanis Park.
- The construction timeline could be accelerated with additional grant funding and donations.
- The city is also hoping to obtain additional funding for components such as a wheelchair swing, per Garlid.