Milwaukee, WI

AARP Community Challenge Grant Year: 2025

Project Category: Park enhancements

Description: Mujeres con Poder addressed barriers that made Kozy Park difficult to use for everyday activities, especially for older adults who needed places to rest and feel safe staying longer. Limited seating and unclear safety information meant some residents shortened visits or avoided the park, despite its role as a neighborhood gathering space. The project added benches and safety and wellness signage and paired these upgrades with community walks and planning sessions centered on resident input. The changes had an immediate effect. One grandmother shared that a bench near the playground now allows her to bring her grandson more often because she can sit in the shade while he plays. Together, these improvements supported more consistent park use and strengthened ongoing collaboration around safety and reducing isolation for older adults.

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

Willsboro, NY

AARP Community Challenge Grant Year: 2025

Project Category: Park enhancements

Description: This project will enhance Florence Hathaway Park with shuffleboard courts, an ADA pavilion, and an all-season bathroom. The park will serve residents age 50-plus and promote multi-generational outdoor recreation.

Lillian, AL

AARP Community Challenge Grant Year: 2025

Project Category: Park enhancements

Description: Lillian Recreational Park sought to address chronic loneliness among older adults who lacked inviting places to gather and build steady social ties. It converted an unused porch into a space with comfortable seating, fans, heaters, murals and game tables. It then launched bingo, Mahjong, walking sessions and other events shaped by a volunteer committee. These additions gave residents a casual place to meet new people and stay active. One visitor said she loves how the porch became "an inviting, comfortable and inclusive spot... a great meeting space." Early turnout shows it offers a dependable way for people to stay connected.

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