Plentywood, MT

AARP Community Challenge Grant Year: 2026

Project Category: Park enhancements

Description: A fenced dog park and a concrete walking path will be built within an existing park. The upgrades will replace uneven gravel and create a safer place for people to walk, rest on benches and spend time outdoors.

Honeoye, NY

AARP Community Challenge Grant Year: 2026

Project Category: Park enhancements

Description: The project will add benches along a popular park's walking trails and provide equipment for new pickleball courts. These updates will create rest spots and offer more opportunities for older adults and families to stay active and spend time outdoors.

Bonanza, OR

AARP Community Challenge Grant Year: 2025

Project Category: Park enhancements

Description: Older adults and residents with mobility challenges had limited access to safe recreational spaces in a rural community with few public amenities. The existing playground had uneven surfaces and outdated equipment that prevented many residents from participating, limiting opportunities for physical activity and time with family. The district transformed Big Springs Park into a fully ADA-accessible playground with level surfaces, accessible play features, benches and shade. Older adult volunteers played a central role in planning and installation, helping ensure the space reflected real mobility needs and comfort concerns. The new playground created a dependable gathering place where older adults can stay active, socialize and spend time with grandchildren. By removing long-standing access barriers and engaging residents age 50 or over as leaders, the project strengthened community ownership and established inclusive design as a model for future public improvements.

Project description was created using generative AI and then reviewed for accuracy.