West St. Paul, MN

AARP Community Challenge Grant Year: 2024

Project Category: Park enhancements

Description: Kennedy Park was underused and lacked features for all ages, leaving older adults without inviting spaces. The city hosted three engagement events - a community meal, a movie night and a paint-the-pavement mural. These were attended by more than 200 participants. It also added a recreation trailer for pop-up activities and commissioned an artist-designed bench to provide seating. These efforts rebuilt trust and shaped a new concept plan for the park, sparked an arts initiative and secured new funding. One resident said that they were extremely thankful the designs reflected the community's vision.

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

Independence, OR

AARP Community Challenge Grant Year: 2024

Project Category: Park enhancements

Description: Sunset Meadows Park lacked accessible play areas and seating, leaving older adults and families without safe spaces to gather. The city addressed this by installing nature play equipment, ADA swings, a hill slide and seating for small groups. It also added lighting and a safety surface for year-round use. Volunteers planted trees to add shade and improve water management. The upgrades created an active, age-friendly space that encourages outdoor activity and social connection while strengthening the city's park network. The Mayor said, "This park is a reminder of what we can accomplish together."

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

Ephraim, UT

AARP Community Challenge Grant Year: 2021

Project Category: Park enhancements

Description: As part of community-wide efforts to improve parks and expand outdoor recreation opportunities, the City of Ephraim made improvements to an underused park. To create an accessible, inclusive space, the City purchased outdoor games for Pioneer Park. The games include concrete foosball and ping pong tables, a cornhole set and a ladder toss. Additionally, the City installed a table and seating in the space. Because the park is located in Ephraim's central business district, organizers hope the upgrades boost economic development in the area. Because many residents live below the poverty line, the improved park offers an important free recreation option. In the future, the City plans to construct accessible restroom facilities onsite.