AARP Hearing Center
AARP Livable Communities Map
Alamo Colleges Foundation (2022) Print
2022 AARP Community Challenge Grantee
Project Category
Public places
└ Park enhancements
└ Park enhancements
Palomino Park offers older adults living in San Antonio's South Side a no-cost space to exercise. To help residents stay fit, the Alamo Colleges Foundation created a fitness trail by installing 12 pieces of fitness equipment along the park's walking loop. To shield visitors from the sun and allow them to exercise in the summer heat, volunteers also added a shade structure. Today, the park hosts fitness activities, including yoga sessions, lessons on proper stretching techniques and nutrition training. To reach more people, the sessions are streamed online. Organizers hope the fitness trail improves community members' physical and mental health for years to come.
Photo Gallery
Image:
Click on a photo to learn more
See More Projects Like This One
Charleston, SC
AARP Community Challenge Grant Year: 2021
Project Category: Park enhancements
Description: Hampstead Square is Charleston's oldest public green space. But the square had fallen into disrepair after years of neglect, made worse by flooding. Keep Charleston Beautiful partnered with the City of Charleston to launch a multi-year park revitalization, part of broader work to bring greenspace to the community. They installed an irrigation system and updated landscaping. To give nearby residents free internet access, they also set up a Wi-Fi hotspot. Volunteers -- including community members and local businessowners -- helped complete the work and chip in additional funding. Inspired by the progress, organizers later added a new historic marker and statue of famed Charleston blacksmith Philip Simmons, which inform visitors about the park's legacy. Since the improvements, the space has hosted health and fitness activities, youth programs and free outdoor movie screenings.
Reno, NV
AARP Community Challenge Grant Year: 2024
Project Category: Park enhancements
Description: Paradise Park became unsafe and underused after the pandemic, leaving nearby older adults without a welcoming space for exercise and social connection. The project built full-size bocce ball and shuffleboard courts, added benches and stools in the community garden and hosted a grand opening to showcase improvements. These upgrades revitalized the park, drawing older residents back for outdoor games and gardening. Attendees expressed excitement about forming bocce teams and using the shuffleboard court, signaling renewed community activity and plans for future programs.
Project description was created using generative AI and then reviewed for accuracy.
Valley City, ND
AARP Community Challenge Grant Year: 2025
Project Category: Park enhancements
Description: This project at the Wood Landing on the Sheyenne River Water Trail will provide a picnic and fishing area with an accessible kayak/canoe launch.
Nearby AARP Community Challenge Projects
San Antonio, TX
AARP Community Challenge Grant Year: 2023
Project Category: Housing Choice Design Competitions
Description: San Antonio needed affordable housing options for older adults, but residents lacked awareness of Accessory Dwelling Units (ADUs). Citymakery launched an outreach campaign with an informational video and a design competition, drawing 275 submissions and engaging families and students. The effort expanded through social media and libraries, sparking citywide interest and informing plans for permit-ready ADU designs. "The design process let me reflect on caring for my grandfather," said one winner, showing how the initiative connected housing solutions to real family needs.
Project description was created using generative AI and then reviewed for accuracy.
San Antonio, TX
AARP Community Challenge Grant Year: 2025
Project Category: Community Gardens
Description: Older adults needed better access to fresh food, active learning and social connection. Gardopia launched a community garden at the Senior Center, engaging 43 participants in hands-on installation, offering eight classes, wellness activities and installing raised beds with irrigation. Two participants completed an intensive master class to lead peers as the garden matures. A field visit to the microfarm boosted confidence and connection, and the garden will reach full productivity in Spring 2026 to support ongoing food access and active aging.
Project description was created using generative AI and then reviewed for accuracy.
LEARN MORE AND STAY INFORMED
Find articles and resources about making communities more livable for people of all ages
Download or order free publications from AARP Livable Communities
Sign up for the free, weekly, award-winning AARP Livable Communities eNewsletter
Don't see your community listed?
LEARN HOW IT CAN JOIN THE NETWORKConnect with your AARP State Office
AARP has offices in all 50 states as well as in the District of Columbia, Puerto Rico and the U.S. Virgin Islands.
AARP Texas State Office
1905 Aldrich St
Suite 210
Austin, TX 78723
United States