AARP Hearing Center
AARP Livable Communities Map
See More Projects Like This One
Presidio, TX
AARP Community Challenge Grant Year: 2022
Project Category: Park enhancements
Description: Daly Park, once a gathering place, had deteriorated, leaving few safe spaces for older adults and families. The district revitalized the park with ADA-accessible benches and picnic tables, mobility-friendly exercise equipment, outdoor musical instruments and new grilling areas. A mural and solar lighting added safety and cultural character. The upgrades have renewed interest in the park for walks, family celebrations and public events. "My mother... loved to skate here... I wish she could see the park now," one resident said, reflecting the park's restored role in community life.
Project description was created using generative AI and then reviewed for accuracy.
Central Falls, RI
AARP Community Challenge Grant Year: 2020
Project Category: Park enhancements
Description: To allow for more community events in Veterans Memorial Park, the City of Central Falls purchased two canopies to shade visitors from the sun. The City then set up the all-weather canopies at a series of events held in the park, including a picnic, Zumba gatherings and ice cream socials. Project organizers say the canopies will allow them to expand outdoor programming aimed at older adult residents.
Dayton, OH
AARP Community Challenge Grant Year: 2020
Project Category: Park enhancements
Description: CityWide transformed a vacant lot into a new, more inviting entrance to Welcome Park in Dayton's Carillon neighborhood. The organization cleared overgrowth and dead trees from the site, replaced fencing and installed new informational signs. To give visitors a spot to rest, they placed benches along the park's walking path. CityWide also widened the entrance to conform to Americans with Disabilities Act accessibility standards. Throughout the project, CityWide gathered feedback and ideas from residents. A community-led branding effort informed the design of the park's new sign, as well as a dedication plaque honoring a local advocate. Project organizers say they hope this project serves as a model for meaningful community engagement as the community plans for future park improvements.
Nearby AARP Community Challenge Projects
Gregory, SD
AARP Community Challenge Grant Year: 2026
Project Category: Public space activation
Description: An empty lot will be transformed into a small public park featuring shade, seating, games and space for seasonal activities. The park will provide adults age 50-plus with a safe, comfortable place to gather, stay active and connect with neighbors.
Fort Pierre, SD
AARP Community Challenge Grant Year: 2019
Project Category: Community Gardens
Description: To provide residents the chance to grow fresh produce, the City of Fort Pierre began construction of its community garden in 2018. To kick off the project, organizers cleared the lot and constructed 24 raised beds, each including their own water spigot. The City also planted fruit trees at the site. As work continued in 2019, the City erected a fence around the gardens, added wood chips to create mud-free walkways between plots and installed picnic tables. That year all beds in the garden were rented. In 2020, the City added an accessible picnic table with an umbrella. Two local restaurants use the garden to raise produce for their menus and about 75 percent of gardeners renting plots are 60 or older. Project organizers report the success of the garden inspired other efforts to encourage healthy living in Fort Pierre, including improvements to the local trail system, a mural downtown and new lighting on a pedestrian bridge.
LEARN MORE AND STAY INFORMED
Find articles and resources about making communities more livable for people of all ages
Download or order free publications from AARP Livable Communities
Sign up for the free, weekly, award-winning AARP Livable Communities eNewsletter
Don't see your community listed?
LEARN HOW IT CAN JOIN THE NETWORKConnect with your AARP State Office
AARP has offices in all 50 states as well as in the District of Columbia, Puerto Rico and the U.S. Virgin Islands.
AARP South Dakota State Office
5101 S. Nevada Avenue
Suite 150
Sioux Falls, SD 57108
United States