Tucson, AZ

AARP Community Challenge Grant Year: 2019

Project Category: Park enhancements

Description: City officials set out to revitalize the underused Francisco Elias Esquer Park, located around the corner from a large public housing community for older adults in Tucson's Barrio Blue Moon neighborhood. To address the needs of locals with disabilities, volunteers installed a wheelchair accessible walking path, benches and a dog comfort station for service animals. They also added passive water harvesting basins to draw birds, bees, butterflies and other wildlife. At a planting party for community members -- one of several events to publicize the new amenities -- neighbors spent a day digging in the dirt and enjoying a renewed sense of community.

Carrington, ND

AARP Community Challenge Grant Year: 2026

Project Category: Park enhancements

Description: The first phase of a public garden enhancement will add smooth concrete walkways and resting spots to create clear, accessible movement. These features will make it easier to walk through the gardens and spend time outdoors near downtown services.

Des Moines, IA

AARP Community Challenge Grant Year: 2026

Project Category: Park enhancements

Description: The project will add benches, markings, bike racks and other amenities to Riverside Bridge Park. These improvements will make the park safer and more comfortable for resting, walking, biking and enjoying the river setting.