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City of Stamps (2020) Print
2020 AARP Community Challenge Grantee
Project Category
Public places
└ Park enhancements
└ Park enhancements
A lack of accessible restrooms made Maya Angelou Park unwelcoming to older adults, people with disabilities and families with young children. To address this, the City of Stamps made several accessibility upgrades, including installing concrete sidewalks, new doors, hardware and handrails. The park, named for the late author, poet, and activist who grew up in Stamps, is located along the banks of Lake June.
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Fort Scott, KS
AARP Community Challenge Grant Year: 2025
Project Category: Park enhancements
Description: This project will add three new Kansas Unsung Hero panels to the Unsung Heroes Park. These panels will include QR codes for language translation.
Epworth, IA
AARP Community Challenge Grant Year: 2023
Project Category: Park enhancements
Description: Tower Park lacked a dedicated space to honor veterans and connect residents, and steep terrain limited access for older adults. The Legion installed a six-foot granite monument, two flagpoles and landscaping. It was unveiled during a Memorial Day ceremony that drew many community members. The project improved accessibility with terraced seating and ADA-compliant paths and inspired plans for benches and a statue. The Mayor called the effort "a collaboration of many groups and a perfect example of serving and using our gifts to honor the memory of those who fought for us and our freedom."
Project description was created using generative AI and then reviewed for accuracy.
Vermillion, SD
AARP Community Challenge Grant Year: 2018
Project Category: Park enhancements
Description: The game of horseshoes is popular with many residents in Vermillion. But the city's horseshoe court needed upgrades to make it accessible to people of all ages and abilities. To fix this, the City renovated the four-pit horseshoe court in Prentis Park. They upgraded the pits' clay surface, added an ADA-compliant sidewalk and purchased pit covers to keep the courts clear of weeds and debris. In the future, the City plans to add seating to accommodate spectators and allow player to rest between rounds. Since the renovations, the courts have drawn residents of all ages. City staff plan for the site to host horseshoe leagues, tournaments and other events.
Nearby AARP Community Challenge Projects
El Dorado, AR
AARP Community Challenge Grant Year: 2024
Project Category: Digital navigation skills
Description: Union County's digital divide left many older adults without internet access or basic tech skills, limiting their ability to bank online or connect with family. SouthArk launched SouthArk Connections, hosting six classes on computer basics, cybersecurity and financial literacy, and provided laptops for use beyond class time. Specialized sessions supported veterans and people with disabilities. Participants gained confidence and reduced isolation, with partnerships ensuring ongoing classes and outreach. One attendee said, "This class has helped me feel more comfortable with computers...I'm so thankful for this class and our wonderful instructor."
Project description was created using generative AI and then reviewed for accuracy.
Minden, LA
AARP Community Challenge Grant Year: 2023
Project Category: Park enhancements
Description: Louisiana's intense summer heat left Dixie Inn's park nearly empty, limiting outdoor activity and social connection. To make the space usable, the village installed shade sails over benches, creating cool, sheltered spots that also offer protection from light rain. Volunteers helped with installation, and the sails were placed to maximize comfort. The change has drawn more residents, including older adults, to walk, rest and visit. "I walk the neighborhood for exercise and am pleased to have the sails to sit under and rest," said one resident.
Project description was created using generative AI and then reviewed for accuracy.
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