Newton, KS

AARP Community Challenge Grant Year: 2022

Project Category: Park enhancements

Description: Newton lacked safe green space near its industrial corridor, limiting recreation and nature access for older adults and nearby residents. The alliance converted an unused parcel into a wetland park with walkways, benches, educational signage and birding-by-ear features for visitors with low vision. Volunteers age 50-plus helped collect native seeds, and solar lighting improved safety. The park now offers legal access to a popular birding site and is expected to serve as an outdoor classroom. "Time spent in nature has been shown to reduce incidents of chronic disease... as well as improving mental health," said a local health leader.

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

Tolland, CT

AARP Community Challenge Grant Year: 2021

Project Category: Park enhancements

Description: To give older adults in Tolland an outdoor space to gather and spend time, the Tolland Conservation Commission created a new park. The Commission worked with landscape architecture students at University of Connecticut to design Wanat Senior Park, a 13-acre area with accessible woodland trails, space for stargazing, a wheelchair-accessible meadow trail and meditative labyrinth. Engagement with older adults, including a design charrette and guided site tour, informed plans for the park. Volunteers of all ages planted vegetation and helped install hardscaping. The park features a pollinator garden, ADA-compliant benches and a variety of native plants. Public art -- including a sculpture of a heron and a sundial -- welcome visitors to the space.

Vermillion, SD

AARP Community Challenge Grant Year: 2018

Project Category: Park enhancements

Description: The game of horseshoes is popular with many residents in Vermillion. But the city's horseshoe court needed upgrades to make it accessible to people of all ages and abilities. To fix this, the City renovated the four-pit horseshoe court in Prentis Park. They upgraded the pits' clay surface, added an ADA-compliant sidewalk and purchased pit covers to keep the courts clear of weeds and debris. In the future, the City plans to add seating to accommodate spectators and allow player to rest between rounds. Since the renovations, the courts have drawn residents of all ages. City staff plan for the site to host horseshoe leagues, tournaments and other events.