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City of Pass Christian (2023) Print
2023 AARP Community Challenge Grantee
Project Category
Public places
└ Park enhancements
└ Park enhancements
Pass Christian lacked dedicated pickleball courts despite growing interest among older adults. To meet demand, the city built two full-size courts with benches and fencing in War Memorial Park, marking their opening with a ribbon-cutting ceremony. Lighting for evening play will follow. The courts offer a new recreational option that promotes balance and social connection, and plans include leagues and tournaments to engage residents of all ages. "We are so glad that we will not have to travel out of town anymore to play pickleball now that the city has two new courts to play on!" said one resident.
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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McComb, OH
AARP Community Challenge Grant Year: 2017
Project Category: Park enhancements
Description: McComb prides itself on the public park on the village's east side, which encompasses four baseball fields, tennis and basketball courts, a public pool, two reservoirs for boating, walking and fitness trails and a 36-hole disc golf course. The McComb Economic Development Organization installed drinking fountains and benches around the reservoir, plus a merry-go-round and several swings, including one designed specifically for wheelchair users. The park has remained an important community resource and serves as the location for events, such as the annual McComb Cookie Festival.
Manchester, NH
AARP Community Challenge Grant Year: 2018
Project Category: Park enhancements
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Canistota, SD
AARP Community Challenge Grant Year: 2022
Project Category: Park enhancements
Description: Canistota's Stalting Park had sat unused, limiting opportunities for social connection and recreation. The city built a heated picnic shelter that doubles as a warming house and Farmers Market venue, added an ADA-compliant water fountain and created a raised planting bed. These upgrades complement pickleball and ice-skating facilities, offering low-impact exercise and gathering spaces. The shelter now hosts reunions and school events and will expand the Farmers Market. Residents describe the joy of watching children skate and the peace of sitting in the park. One older adult shared, "I love to just sit in the swing... to listen to the birds or just enjoy the beauty of Stalting Park."
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Gulfport, MS
AARP Community Challenge Grant Year: 2017
Project Category: Public place improvements to withstand extreme weather events
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Gulfport, MS
AARP Community Challenge Grant Year: 2019
Project Category: Public space improvements to support recovery after extreme weather events
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