Hayti, SD

AARP Community Challenge Grant Year: 2025

Project Category: Park enhancements

Description: The Town of Hayti tackled a long-standing comfort and safety issue at its softball field, where older adults often gather to watch grandchildren play. With no shade and uneven access around the grandstand, hot summer games were difficult to sit through and navigating the area posed challenges for people with mobility concerns. Local volunteers built a roof over the concrete bleachers, added guard rails and poured level cement pads on both sides to create wheelchair accessible access. The changes immediately improved comfort and safety, especially during peak summer heat. Community members shared that the value of the project became clear once the roof was in place, providing relief from the sun and making it easier to stay for full games. The upgraded grandstand is expected to serve residents for decades and is guiding plans for additional seating and shade as the field continues to function as a central gathering place.

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

Clear Lake, SD

AARP Community Challenge Grant Year: 2023

Project Category: Park enhancements

Description: Clear Lakes main park lacked safe seating and drinking water, making it hard for older adults to watch games comfortably. The project installed two ADA-compliant benches with shaded canopies and a chilled water bottle filling station at Lavin Field, along with signage and supporting infrastructure. These upgrades provide lasting amenities for hydration and secure seating, reducing fall risks and promoting wellness. A resident noted she could now enjoy practices without climbing bleachers. Future plans include ribbon-cutting events and exploring similar improvements at other parks.

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

Cutler Bay, FL

AARP Community Challenge Grant Year: 2017

Project Category: Park enhancements

Description: To encourage residents to exercise and socialize with one another, the Town of Cutler Bay added accessible exercise equipment - with a shade canopy to keep visitors cool -- to Cutler Ridge Park. Although Hurricane Irma damaged the park during installation, the new equipment now gives older adults the opportunity to improve their balance, strength, flexibility, range of motion and coordination. Project organizers say many older adults visit the park with their children and using the new fitness machines, which resemble playground equipment, can feel more like playing than exercising. Since the project's completion. the Town has installed similar fitness equipment at two other local parks.