Grand Junction, CO

AARP Community Challenge Grant Year: 2020

Project Category: Park enhancements

Description: Grand Junction Parks and Recreation created a strength training circuit along a walking path in Sherwood Park. To achieve this, GJPR installed four pieces of equipment for working out leg, arm and core muscles, including a rowing machine, sit up and pull up station and leg press. The park once housed similar fitness equipment, but GJCR had to remove it in the mid-nineties due to rot. Today, many residents of the surrounding neighborhoods are 50 and older, and the new equipment gives them an option for a cardio workout and strength training. The fitness stations are available to the public seven days a week and those interested can register for free instruction on how to use them.

Naknek, AK

AARP Community Challenge Grant Year: 2018

Project Category: Park enhancements

Description: To keep residents of all ages active, this project set out to update outdoor fitness trails, providing space for people of all ages to engage with each other. Camai Community Center developed a summer walking path and winter ski trail. To offer the community an intergenerational activity, the organization created a story walk, which features pages of a storybook displayed in succession along the pathway. They then hosted invited local elders groups to walk the path with preschool children and read to them.

Wellston, OK

AARP Community Challenge Grant Year: 2022

Project Category: Park enhancements

Description: This project helped to upgrade a park with a new walking trail, tables, benches and games, as well as improved pavilion restrooms.