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New Rockford, ND

AARP Community Challenge Grant Year: 2022

Project Category: Park enhancements

Description: This project installed a new, more accessible building at the city's relocated outdoor skating rink in All Veterans Park. It also added lighting for security and benches.

Prineville, OR

AARP Community Challenge Grant Year: 2018

Project Category: Park enhancements

Description: When organizers with Crook County on the Move asked older adults what they would like to see in Ochoco Creek Park, they overwhelmingly asked for more places to sit along the park's 1.5-mile pathway. So to increase accessibility, the organization installed 12 park benches at 300 foot intervals along the walkway. Each bench has a 4-foot space surrounding it to accommodate wheelchair users and give people a space to park walkers and strollers. Organizers hope the benches inspire older adults and people with mobility challenges to visit the park and reap the benefits of outdoor exercise. Spurred by the success of this project, Crook County on the Move fundraised to install an additional 12 benches along the path. Organizers say they are now looking to install benches in other parks around Crook County.

Missoula, MT

AARP Community Challenge Grant Year: 2018

Project Category: Park enhancements

Description: To improve public health and increase residents' physical activity, the City of Missoula launched the Rx Trails program. Through the initiative, the local Parks and Recreation Department partners with local health care providers encourage patients to walk. The City worked to designate a path through McCormick Park as an Rx trail -- pathways featuring amenities including, drinking fountains, benches and accessible parking. They installed two benches and posted a map to help visitors navigate the trail. Additionally, they distributed promotional materials to residents to inform them about Rx Trails.

Nearby AARP Community Challenge Projects

Dallas, TX

AARP Community Challenge Grant Year: 2024

Project Category: Housing stability

Description: This project will protect the property rights of lower-income older adults by helping them compile legal and financial documentation and secure their assets. The initiative will help prevent housing instability and enable homeowners to age in place.

Dallas, TX

AARP Community Challenge Grant Year: 2023

Project Category: Transportation Systems Change

Description: The project features a design competition, which invites participants to imagine pop-up placemaking options for a local farmers market. The parking lot for a local food bank will be re-imagined with better parking layout, a basketball court mural, and shaded space for customers to wait. A walk audit will identify potential areas for sidewalk improvements and the placement of benches.

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Suite 210
Austin, TX 78723
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