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Camp Verde Parks & Recreation Division (2022) Print
2022 AARP Community Challenge Grantee
Project Category
Public places
└ Park enhancements
└ Park enhancements
The Town of Camp Verde's Parks & Recreation Division thought the community's outdoor pool had potential as an event and education space. To achieve their vision, volunteers laid concrete pavers, installed shade structures and added picnic tables. They also constructed a new fence to the patio. The improvements allowed the Town to increase recreational programming onsite, including exercise classes and a summer camp. Additionally, families can lease the space for parties and other gatherings.
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See More Projects Like This One
Green River, UT
AARP Community Challenge Grant Year: 2023
Project Category: Park enhancements
Description: Green River lacked a quiet, accessible park for older adults, as existing spaces focused on sports. Pearl Baker Park was designed to fill that gap, offering shaded seating, soft-surface paths and educational signage. Epicenter hosted a kickoff event and bilingual arts workshop to activate the space, engaging volunteers to build features like birdhouses. Work began on a pavilion that frames scenic views and supports safe mobility for older adults. The project sparked community involvement and laid the groundwork for expansion into adjacent affordable housing, creating more opportunities to age in place. "I love visiting this park with my grandkids... there are plenty of places for me to sit and watch them," said one participant.
Project description was created using generative AI and then reviewed for accuracy.
Highmore, SD
AARP Community Challenge Grant Year: 2023
Project Category: Park enhancements
Description: When Highmore's aging pool closed, older adults lost a safe space for exercise and social connection. With a median age of 55, the community rallied to build a new pool designed for accessibility, featuring zero-depth entry, an ADA lift, heated water and shaded seating. A new bathhouse with accessible restrooms and showers was added, along with benches and shade structures. Residents say the project restored pride and will support water aerobics, lap swimming and physical therapy, creating a vital resource for health and community life.
Project description was created using generative AI and then reviewed for accuracy.
Manchester, NH
AARP Community Challenge Grant Year: 2018
Project Category: Park enhancements
Description: Part of larger efforts to draw people to spend time in downtown Manchester, this project made placemaking improvements to Arms Park. Manchester Connects engaged a local company to design custom chairs for the space, which can gently rock. Additionally, they installed picnic tables, benches and a concrete cornhole set in the park. The park -- located on the banks of the Merrimack River -- is a historic place in the city's core. Organizers hope the new amenities help the park act as a third space -- a public place people can gather without having to spend money.
Nearby AARP Community Challenge Projects
Camp Verde, AZ
AARP Community Challenge Grant Year: 2021
Project Category: Accessibility of amenities
Description: After a resident complained to the mayor that she couldn't walk the 1.6-mile trail circling Camp Verde's new multi-use park and outdoor sports complex without a spot to rest, project organizers set out to add amenities to make the path more accessible. The Camp Verde Parks and Recreation Department added eight benches along the trail, placing each bench in areas popular with older adults. The local Old Guys volunteer group, which brings together retired residents with construction expertise to do community improvement projects, did the installation. As construction continues on the sports complex, project organizers say they will look for additional places to offer seating, ensuring the facilities can welcome people of all ages and abilities.
Cottonwood, AZ
AARP Community Challenge Grant Year: 2023
Project Category: Community Gardens
Description: Residents in transitional housing faced food insecurity and limited access to fresh produce, a concern for older adults who rarely had the chance to grow their own food. After construction setbacks, the coalition shifted plans and installed container gardens on a back deck. Despite pests and record heat, participants harvested tomatoes and peppers and learned basic gardening skills. The project sparked interest in self-reliance and created moments of connection. One volunteer said that quiet mornings in the garden helped him open up about personal struggles, leading to mental health support and steps toward employment.
Project description was created using generative AI and then reviewed for accuracy.
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