ATHENS – It will be more than just a walk in the park. Try sitting.

Athens Main Street has received an AARP Community Challenge grant from AARP Livable Communities and AARP Alabama.

The grant funds quick-action projects that can reach completion by Nov. 30 and Main Street Athens has the ticket.

Thanks to the grant, the Farmers Market at Doug Gates Park will be transformed into an age-friendly gathering space with comfortable high-seat chairs and easily accessible slide-in picnic tables, according to Athens Main Street Executive Director Tere Richardson.

“We are incredibly proud that AARP selected us for this investment to make Athens and Limestone County more livable for residents of all ages,” said Richardson. “AARP believes that great communities take a long time to build and sustain. But they also believe that quick actions can be the spark for long-term progress.”

This year, AARP announced the largest number of Community Challenge grants to date, investing more than $3.6 million among 310 grantees across all 50 states; Washington, D.C.; and the territories.

Market Manager Kat Greene encourages everyone to make plans to shop at the market, listen to great music, and celebrate the new furnishings.

“We cannot wait to see the transformation of our gathering space with help from this grant,” said. “The Athens Farmers Market committee is planning to install and showcase the furnishings during the upcoming fall market.”

The fall market is Sept. 30 from 8 a.m. to noon.