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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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St. John, KS
AARP Community Challenge Grant Year: 2024
Project Category: Park enhancements
Description: Pickleball grew popular in St. John, but older adults driving the trend had no dedicated courts and played in borrowed spaces. The project transformed an old tennis court into six pickleball courts, two more than planned. The courts are now used daily by residents of all ages, and the school added pickleball to its physical education program. The recreation commission plans tournaments to draw regional players, boosting health and community engagement. One participant said she was thrilled to have a court nearby, and says she will get to play more often now.
Project description was created using generative AI and then reviewed for accuracy.
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.
Taos, NM
AARP Community Challenge Grant Year: 2024
Project Category: Park enhancements
Description: Taos' veterans and older adults lacked accessible green space and safe walking areas, a gap worsened by poverty and rising living costs. The project purchased ADA-compliant tables and benches, materials for a walking trail, and hired an architect. This led to the design of a multi-use space featuring a Veterans Memorial and fire pit for flag-retirement ceremonies. The space will host veteran-centered events and family gatherings, drawing hundreds of older adults annually. Volunteers praised the effort for fostering intergenerational learning and respect between veterans and younger community members.
Project description was created using generative AI and then reviewed for accuracy.
Nearby AARP Community Challenge Projects
Gulfport, MS
AARP Community Challenge Grant Year: 2017
Project Category: Public place improvements to withstand extreme weather events
Description: After Hurricane Katrina nearly leveled the Bayou View West neighborhood in 2005, the Federal Emergency Management Agency bought out the remaining residents and handed the property over to the city. Today, the 40-acre tract is known as Brickyard Bayou Park. This project created the city's first dog park at the site. Known as the Bark Park, it attracted more than 200 people and dogs on its opening day in 2017. the space acts as a buffer -- if the area floods again, homes won't be at risk. And once the park dries out, people and pups can return. Since the Bark Park's creation, the City of Gulfport has added a kayak launch, a disc golf course, a nature trail and an outdoor classroom to Brickyard Bayou Park.
Gulfport, MS
AARP Community Challenge Grant Year: 2019
Project Category: Public space improvements to support recovery after extreme weather events
Description: As part of revitalization efforts following flooding from Hurricane Katrina, the City of Gulfport set out to give cyclists and pedestrians a place to shelter from the weather and sun. They installed a 20-square-foot safe-weather pavilion and benches along a new bike trail in Brickyard Bayou Park. The trail connects park visitors to amenities, including an outdoor classroom, dog park and community garden. Organizers report the pavilion project has since inspired other similar structures and trails in Gulfport.
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