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Wheatland, WY
AARP Community Challenge Grant Year: 2021
Project Category: Park enhancements
Description: As fewer and fewer residents took up the game, the horseshoe pits in Lewis Park went largely unused. The Town of Wheatland hoped to turn the pits into a more useful space fitting residents' modern tastes. So the Town converted them into pickleball courts. The Town staff worked with volunteers to clear and resurface the space, then install nets, posts, and fencing. To raise money for further improvements -- including seating for spectators -- the Town hosted a fundraising charity onsite. Project organizers say the new courts give people of all ages an option for outdoor exercise. Pickleball is popular with older adults since the fast-paced game is low impact and easy on joints.
Cosmopolis, WA
AARP Community Challenge Grant Year: 2022
Project Category: Park enhancements
Description: Highland Park had fallen into disrepair, leaving older adults without a safe place to gather or exercise. The project transformed the park with paved walkways and parking, a covered communal area with ADA ramps, and new benches and picnic tables. It added an accessible playground, fitness stations and a pickleball/basketball court designed for all ages. The revitalized park now hosts events that foster connection. One longtime resident said, "I just love this park... I have never seen so many people using it."
Project description was created using generative AI and then reviewed for accuracy.
Montevallo, AL
AARP Community Challenge Grant Year: 2020
Project Category: Park enhancements
Description: Montevallo had no commercial gym in town. To help residents -- including low-income families and older adults -- build healthy habits and reduce their risk for chronic diseases, the City installed fitness equipment in two of Montevallo's most popular public parks. The project is part of larger plans to redesign George Daily Park to be Montevallo's first ADA-accessible park. The other site -- Orr Park -- is located next door to the community's senior center. Equipment includes an ab crunch and leg lift apparatus, steps, ladder bars, pull up and push up bars and a hand cycle machine.
Nearby AARP Community Challenge Projects
Rapid City, SD
AARP Community Challenge Grant Year: 2023
Project Category: Public space activation
Description: Visitors in busy community spaces often had no place to sit, leaving people without a comfortable spot to rest during walks or long visits. To address this, the group partnered with a welding class to design and build two ADA-compliant benches, which were finished with powder coating and installed on new concrete pads. Placing them in the market park created the only seating in that area and offered shaded resting spots for people spending time there. Members said the project helped them recognize broader unmet needs in their community and inspired future efforts. One volunteer noted that the benches were placed in "perfect shaded areas", making the park easier for people to enjoy.
Project description was created using generative AI and then reviewed for accuracy.
Brookings, SD
AARP Community Challenge Grant Year: 2026
Project Category: Accessibility of amenities
Description: The project will rebuild restrooms in a downtown building to create fully accessible, clearly signed public restrooms. The improved facilities will provide residents and visitors with a safe, comfortable option while spending time in the city center.
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