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City of Leadville (2019) Print
2019 AARP Community Challenge Grantee
Project Category
Public places
└ Park enhancements
└ Park enhancements
Many residents weren't aware of underused park in Leadville's downtown. To increase the park's visibility, the City revamped the space. They replaced eight benches and installed twinkle lights and a permanent fire pit made from a converted ore cart. Community members chipped in by creating mosaics on planters and painting a mural. The City held a well-attended kick-off party for the park, which featured fire pits and giveaways.
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Missoula, MT
AARP Community Challenge Grant Year: 2018
Project Category: Park enhancements
Description: To improve public health and increase residents' physical activity, the City of Missoula launched the Rx Trails program. Through the initiative, the local Parks and Recreation Department partners with local health care providers encourage patients to walk. The City worked to designate a path through McCormick Park as an Rx trail -- pathways featuring amenities including, drinking fountains, benches and accessible parking. They installed two benches and posted a map to help visitors navigate the trail. Additionally, they distributed promotional materials to residents to inform them about Rx Trails.
Prineville, OR
AARP Community Challenge Grant Year: 2018
Project Category: Park enhancements
Description: When organizers with Crook County on the Move asked older adults what they would like to see in Ochoco Creek Park, they overwhelmingly asked for more places to sit along the park's 1.5-mile pathway. So to increase accessibility, the organization installed 12 park benches at 300 foot intervals along the walkway. Each bench has a 4-foot space surrounding it to accommodate wheelchair users and give people a space to park walkers and strollers. Organizers hope the benches inspire older adults and people with mobility challenges to visit the park and reap the benefits of outdoor exercise. Spurred by the success of this project, Crook County on the Move fundraised to install an additional 12 benches along the path. Organizers say they are now looking to install benches in other parks around Crook County.
Amherst, VA
AARP Community Challenge Grant Year: 2024
Project Category: Park enhancements
Description: Older adults lacked inclusive, low-impact recreation options, and temporary courts limited year-round play. The county built a permanent bocce court with ADA features, including a hinged entry for mobility aids, and added benches and equipment. A grand opening introduced the court to the community, creating a safe space for social connection and physical activity. The design reduces fall risks and fosters inclusion. One participant using a walker said she was thrilled with the ease of accessing the court, underscoring its role in helping residents stay active and engaged.
Nearby AARP Community Challenge Projects
Lakewood, CO
AARP Community Challenge Grant Year: 2022
Project Category: Public art installations
Description: Older adults who walk the Alameda Corridor to reach shops and health care often lacked safe places to pause, making trips exhausting and limiting independence. Alameda Connects installed a concrete pad with a bench and trash bin at a key resting point. It also added colorful ground murals at three sites, including a transit stop and Easterseals Colorado, to make the spaces feel safer and more welcoming. The project united older adults and students in painting days that sparked friendships and inspired neighborhood cleanups and business interest in murals. One teen said, "Thank you for letting me volunteer. This project gave me purpose."
Montrose, CO
AARP Community Challenge Grant Year: 2024
Project Category: Public or private transit access
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