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City of Marsing (2024) Print
2024 AARP Community Challenge Grantee
Project Category
Public places
└ Park enhancements
└ Park enhancements
Owyhee County ranks near the bottom in Idaho for health outcomes, and only 38% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. To change that, Marsing installed an ADA-compliant outdoor fitness court with seven workout stations on school grounds, creating free access to strength and mobility training. A ribbon-cutting marked its opening, and plans include Fit and Fall classes to encourage use. The court offers a lasting hub for wellness, promoting physical activity and social connection for older adults in a rural area where options were scarce.
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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Crooks, SD
AARP Community Challenge Grant Year: 2025
Project Category: Park enhancements
Description: The Town of Crooks set out to build a public space where residents could honor veterans and spend time outdoors in ways that worked for older adults and people with mobility challenges. As the park took shape, limited lighting and shelter made walking paths and gathering areas harder to use safely, especially in the evening. Crooks Veterans Park addressed these gaps by adding accent lighting along the walking path and installing a picnic shelter with electrical access. The lighting improved visibility and security after hours, while the shelter created a shaded place to sit, reflect and gather during visits and events. These upgrades expanded how and when residents could use the park and supported plans to make the trail fully accessible. Attendance at Veterans Day events continued to grow, reinforcing the park as a place veterans, older adults and families return to together.
Project description was created using generative AI and then reviewed for accuracy.
Grants, NM
AARP Community Challenge Grant Year: 2025
Project Category: Park enhancements
Description: City Hall Park had limited seating and accessibility, which discouraged older adults from using a central public space. This project addressed these barriers by upgrading the park with new benches, picnic tables, planter boxes and refreshed landscaping. Older residents helped guide priorities through planning conversations and took part in cleanup and beautification days. The improvements made the park easier to navigate and more comfortable for rest and casual gatherings. Resident involvement also built a sense of ownership and pride, supporting ongoing care of the space. Together, these changes helped restore the park as a place older adults can regularly use to relax, connect with neighbors and spend time outdoors.
Project description was created using generative AI and then reviewed for accuracy.
New Orleans, LA
AARP Community Challenge Grant Year: 2021
Project Category: Park enhancements
Description: In New Orleans' Lower Ninth Ward, many residents lack access to public outdoor spaces. To provide additional recreational areas and bolster intergenerational connections for residents, the Sankofa Community Development Corporation improved Sankofa Wetland Park and Nature Trail, clearing overgrown grass, fallen trees and other obstructions from the water's edge. Project organizers also installed benches and bike racks and bought new fishing equipment for visitors to use in the park. Fishing has great cultural significance to the residents of this neighborhood and provides a way for elders to bond with and mentor local youth.
Nearby AARP Community Challenge Projects
Melba, ID
AARP Community Challenge Grant Year: 2025
Project Category: Park enhancements
Description: Centennial Park lacked accessible seating and sheltered space, limiting how often residents, especially older adults, could comfortably use the park. The City of Melba addressed that gap by adding an ADA-accessible gazebo with nearby parking and a connecting sidewalk. Community volunteers, many age 50 or older, helped plan the site, prepare the area and complete painting and finishing work. The structure began drawing use even before it was finished, with residents stopping to rest, eat lunch and gather. By adding permanent, accessible infrastructure through resident-led effort, the project expanded everyday park use and created a dependable place for connection that will serve the community over time.
Project description was created using generative AI and then reviewed for accuracy.
Nampa, ID
AARP Community Challenge Grant Year: 2025
Project Category: Engaging residents in vibrant public places
Description: The Idaho Hispanic Community Center had outdated audio and visual equipment that made it hard for older adults and other attendees to hear speakers and stay engaged during classes, events and community meetings. The center upgraded its sound system with new speakers. They added wireless and lapel microphones, a projector and two televisions that improved clarity for large and small gatherings. A community celebration helped demonstrate the improvements and brought residents together to learn about the changes. The upgrades immediately improved access to meetings, classes and cultural activities and are expected to serve the community for years. A longtime Nampa resident who grew up attending events at the center shared excitement about the improvements, noting how much they will benefit people who rely on the space.
Project description was created using generative AI and then reviewed for accuracy.
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