Rexburg, ID

AARP Community Challenge Grant Year: 2026

Project Category: Park enhancements

Description: Damaged sections of asphalt walking paths will be repaired throughout a busy community park. Smoother surfaces will reduce tripping risks and help older adults travel safely year round.

Spearfish, SD

AARP Community Challenge Grant Year: 2025

Project Category: Park enhancements

Description: Many older adults living in east Spearfish wanted nearby places to walk or ride that felt manageable and safe, but existing trail options were often too far away or too challenging to reach from home. Spearfish Trails Coalition addressed this gap by building a new trail system that directly connects nearby neighborhoods to Lookout Mountain Park, creating beginner-friendly routes suitable for walking and cycling. The trails were designed to accommodate a wide range of abilities and brought residents together through volunteer trail days and a community ribbon-cutting event. Several older adults shared that the new routes prompted them to return to biking or walking after giving it up because other trails felt too difficult. By linking neighborhoods to open space, the project expanded everyday access to outdoor activity and established a lasting, close-to-home recreation option for older adults.

Project description was created using generative AI and then reviewed for accuracy.

Plentywood, MT

AARP Community Challenge Grant Year: 2026

Project Category: Park enhancements

Description: A fenced dog park and a concrete walking path will be built within an existing park. The upgrades will replace uneven gravel and create a safer place for people to walk, rest on benches and spend time outdoors.