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City of Graettinger (2023) Print
2023 AARP Community Challenge Grantee
Project Category
Public places
└ Park enhancements
└ Park enhancements
Graettinger lacked safe, low-impact fitness options for older adults in its rural community. To address this, the city installed two pickleball courts with fencing, nets and benches, and added a paved sidewalk linking the courts to the playground and walking trail. Volunteers cleared the site, and older adults began hosting daily meetups to teach pickleball. These improvements created a social hub and accessible exercise space, helping residents stay active and connected with family and neighbors for years to come.
Project description was created using generative AI and then reviewed for accuracy.
Project description was created using generative AI and then reviewed for accuracy.
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See More Projects Like This One
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.
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.
Arlee, MT
AARP Community Challenge Grant Year: 2023
Project Category: Park enhancements
Description: Older adults in Arlee lacked places to gather, leaving many isolated from community life. That changed when picnic tables and benches were added to the new garden site, giving residents a spot to rest, share stories and watch volunteers harvest more than 4,600 pounds of fresh produce. Three generations joined cleanup and planting events, turning the space into a hub for connection. Older adults now have a welcoming place to join the conversation, and plans for an expanded garden and orchard promise even more opportunities to strengthen ties and advance food sovereignty.
Project description was created using generative AI and then reviewed for accuracy.
Nearby AARP Community Challenge Projects
Estherville, IA
AARP Community Challenge Grant Year: 2021
Project Category: Park enhancements
Description: To improve its recreation facilities, the City of Estherville asked residents for their ideas about how to improve local outdoor spaces. In response to this feedback, the City added special playground swings at the community's parks that are suitable for users of various skills, sizes and ages. The generation swings are two swings in one -- a combined adult swing and a swing for babies and toddlers. This enables children to swing face-to-face with their adult.
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