See More Projects Like This One

Canistota, SD

AARP Community Challenge Grant Year: 2022

Project Category: Park enhancements

Description: Canistota's Stalting Park had sat unused, limiting opportunities for social connection and recreation. The city built a heated picnic shelter that doubles as a warming house and Farmers Market venue, added an ADA-compliant water fountain and created a raised planting bed. These upgrades complement pickleball and ice-skating facilities, offering low-impact exercise and gathering spaces. The shelter now hosts reunions and school events and will expand the Farmers Market. Residents describe the joy of watching children skate and the peace of sitting in the park. One older adult shared, "I love to just sit in the swing... to listen to the birds or just enjoy the beauty of Stalting Park."

Sitka, AK

AARP Community Challenge Grant Year: 2025

Project Category: Park enhancements

Description: This project will revitalize Crescent Harbor Park, adding a pickleball court, tennis, and volleyball facilities. This project will enhance accessibility and safety, promoting active living and well-being for older adults and visitors.

York, PA

AARP Community Challenge Grant Year: 2024

Project Category: Park enhancements

Description: The Sonny Simpson Playzone lacked features for older adults and people with mobility challenges, limiting intergenerational play in a neighborhood with no ADA-accessible parks. To address this, the organization purchased three outdoor musical instruments and an exercise station designed for all ages. These additions will create an inclusive space for creative expression and physical activity, reducing isolation and fostering social connection. The project aims to support cognitive health and emotional well-being for older adults while encouraging interaction across generations.

Nearby AARP Community Challenge Projects

Missoula, MT

AARP Community Challenge Grant Year: 2017

Project Category: Roadway/sidewalks/crosswalk improvement

Description: Missoula County officials hoped to demonstrate options for improved pedestrian access to East Missoula's downtown. Staff and volunteers put out straw bales, planters and trees to calm traffic, as well as create a temporary bike and walking path near a popular store and service station. They also set up a pop-up park. They also set up an area with picnic tables, canopies and umbrellas. Food trucks and a banner helped attract visitors to the event, along with sidewalk games, face painting and mural making. Attendees could see how possible future safety improvements would work and were invited to provide feedback. Project organizers report the demonstration helped secure buy-in from nearby business owners, who had previously expressed skepticism about changes to the streetscape. Since the event, the County has working to permanently implement the interventions envisioned during the event, including forming long-term plans to reconstruct a major highway corridor.

Missoula, MT

AARP Community Challenge Grant Year: 2025

Project Category: Transportation Other

Description: This project will install two traffic-calming street murals. One mural will be created during Sunday Streets Missoula, enhancing pedestrian safety and community connection while promoting active transportation.

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