AARP Hearing Center
AARP Livable Communities Map
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.
Photo Gallery
Image:
Click on a photo to learn more
See More Projects Like This One
Minden, LA
AARP Community Challenge Grant Year: 2023
Project Category: Park enhancements
Description: Louisiana's intense summer heat left Dixie Inn's park nearly empty, limiting outdoor activity and social connection. To make the space usable, the village installed shade sails over benches, creating cool, sheltered spots that also offer protection from light rain. Volunteers helped with installation, and the sails were placed to maximize comfort. The change has drawn more residents, including older adults, to walk, rest and visit. "I walk the neighborhood for exercise and am pleased to have the sails to sit under and rest," said one resident.
Project description was created using generative AI and then reviewed for accuracy.
West Monroe, LA
AARP Community Challenge Grant Year: 2024
Project Category: Park enhancements
Description: The Sunken Gardens at Kiroli Park had deteriorated, leaving older adults without a safe, peaceful space to enjoy nature. The city renovated the garden by installing benches as well as iron arches and trellises. It also added native plants with signage and built a platform over a stream. The restored site now offers an accessible spot for relaxation and will host cultural events during the park's centennial. One volunteer said, "As someone over the age of 50, I believe the renovated Sunken Gardens... will be a calm, peaceful location for people of all ages to walk, sit and enjoy nature."
Project description was created using generative AI and then reviewed for accuracy.
West Point, KY
AARP Community Challenge Grant Year: 2024
Project Category: Park enhancements
Description: This project will install ADA-compliant sidewalks and benches, making a local park more accessible to older adults and visitors with mobility challenges. The museum in the park welcomes 200 visitors each month, many of whom are older adults.
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.
LEARN MORE AND STAY INFORMED
Find articles and resources about making communities more livable for people of all ages
Download or order free publications from AARP Livable Communities
Sign up for the free, weekly, award-winning AARP Livable Communities eNewsletter
Don't see your community listed?
LEARN HOW IT CAN JOIN THE NETWORKConnect with your AARP State Office
AARP has offices in all 50 states as well as in the District of Columbia, Puerto Rico and the U.S. Virgin Islands.
AARP Iowa State Office
600 E. Court Avenue
Suite 100
Des Moines, IA 50309
United States