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Amesville, OH

AARP Community Challenge Grant Year: 2021

Project Category: Park enhancements

Description: Since Amesville earned its designation as a Bee City USA, the village has worked to sustain pollinators. To provide pollinating birds and insects with a habitat rich in native plants and free from insecticides, the Village created a pollinator garden. The effort activated an underused meadow in Gifford Park. Volunteers used a natural herbicide to clear out unwanted grass, then spread compost and seeded the half-acre site with wildflowers. They also constructed birdboxes and installed seating and signage. Since completing the project, the Village has hosted mini-festivals onsite, which feature walking tours of the garden.

Huron, SD

AARP Community Challenge Grant Year: 2021

Project Category: Park enhancements

Description: Several years ago, the Huron Housing Authority transformed a vacant city lot into a new dog park, giving residents a much-needed outdoor gathering space. However, when work completed on Cook Park, project organizers realized park visitors had no place to escape the sun's hot rays. To provide shade and improve the park's appearance, the Authority planted nine trees onsite. The park also received a new water fountain, pet waste receptacles and a bulletin board, thanks to donations from local nonprofits. Project organizers say they hope the improved park will spark other investment in the diverse neighborhood.

Chicago, IL

AARP Community Challenge Grant Year: 2023

Project Category: Park enhancements

Description: This project will install a comfortable and attractive circular tree bench in a park where residents can sit while they wait for the bus.

Nearby AARP Community Challenge Projects

Grand Forks, ND

AARP Community Challenge Grant Year: 2018

Project Category: Roadway/sidewalks/crosswalk improvement

Description: To increase the pedestrian experience in Grand Forks, this project tested improvements to crosswalks at a busy intersection. The City installed temporary curb extensions, designed to shorten the distance needed to cross the street and make pedestrians more visible to drivers. They also used paint to make the crosswalks more noticeable. Additionally, local high school students helped install a sidewalk mural nearby, along with flowerpots and benches. The pop-up demonstration was in place for one month, giving residents time to give their feedback. Since the project, the City Council approved plans for permanent curb extension at the intersection. Organizers hope data gathered will also inspire other streetscape improvements to make the community more walkable.

Grand Forks, ND

AARP Community Challenge Grant Year: 2023

Project Category: Micromobility enhancements/management

Description: This project will enable the Grand Rides Bike Share program to provide e-bikes and adaptive bikes to encourage ridership among people aged 50.

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AARP North Dakota State Office

107 W. Main Avenue
Suite 125
Bismarck, ND 58501
United States

Phone: 866-554-5383
Fax: 701-221-2242
Email: [email protected]