Lake Placid, FL

AARP Community Challenge Grant Year: 2020

Project Category: Park enhancements

Description: This project installed a 10-station fitness trail exercise system in the MLK Sports Field in Highway Park -- the only such amenity in Highlands County. Meant to help residents improve their physical health through stretching, flexing and balancing, the trail also acts as a destination for residents and seasonal visitors to socialize. For years the Highway Park Preservation and Enhancement District requested amenities to enhance the park without much success. But securing funding for the fitness trail spurred the County to invest in Highland Park, including adding drinking fountains, repainting fencing, cleaning up graffiti and resurfacing the softball diamond. In addition, two successful crowdfunding campaigns allowed for installation of restrooms and a new sunshade for the park's playground.

Crossville, TN

AARP Community Challenge Grant Year: 2022

Project Category: Park enhancements

Description: Cumberland County converted a picnic shelter into an outdoor classroom to reduce isolation and create inclusive learning spaces. The project added limestone benches, planter boxes, flagstone flooring and whiteboards, and opened with a ribbon-cutting event. Agencies and nonprofits are already scheduling classes on gardening, health and art. Free access removes economic barriers and fosters intergenerational engagement. "We feel the sky is the limit on the number of classes as well as the subject matter that will take place in this space," the county noted.

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

Cascade, MT

AARP Community Challenge Grant Year: 2020

Project Category: Park enhancements

Description: The Town of Cascade created an accessible picnic area in North Railroad Park, within walking distance of many local amenities. Town staff poured a concrete pad for the site, where they installed a walled seating area with two ADA-compliant picnic tables and a new flagpole. The local garden club lent a hand by filling at the site planters with flowers. Each year, the Town evaluates the accessibility of the projects it undertakes, and town leaders are committed to providing gathering spaces where residents of all abilities can gather.