Crooks, SD

AARP Community Challenge Grant Year: 2025

Project Category: Park enhancements

Description: The Town of Crooks set out to build a public space where residents could honor veterans and spend time outdoors in ways that worked for older adults and people with mobility challenges. As the park took shape, limited lighting and shelter made walking paths and gathering areas harder to use safely, especially in the evening. Crooks Veterans Park addressed these gaps by adding accent lighting along the walking path and installing a picnic shelter with electrical access. The lighting improved visibility and security after hours, while the shelter created a shaded place to sit, reflect and gather during visits and events. These upgrades expanded how and when residents could use the park and supported plans to make the trail fully accessible. Attendance at Veterans Day events continued to grow, reinforcing the park as a place veterans, older adults and families return to together.

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

Vernal, UT

AARP Community Challenge Grant Year: 2026

Project Category: Park enhancements

Description: Outdoor mobility and stretching stations will be installed along a popular community walking trail. The stations will help adults age 50-plus stretch, improve balance and walk more safely and with greater confidence.

Ashville, AL

AARP Community Challenge Grant Year: 2026

Project Category: Park enhancements

Description: An outdoor ADA accessible fitness area will be installed near the Ashville Park walking loop. The space will support strength, balance and activity close to home.