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Clear Lake Area Development (2023) Print
2023 AARP Community Challenge Grantee
Project Category
Public places
└ Park enhancements
└ Park enhancements
Clear Lakes main park lacked safe seating and drinking water, making it hard for older adults to watch games comfortably. The project installed two ADA-compliant benches with shaded canopies and a chilled water bottle filling station at Lavin Field, along with signage and supporting infrastructure. These upgrades provide lasting amenities for hydration and secure seating, reducing fall risks and promoting wellness. A resident noted she could now enjoy practices without climbing bleachers. Future plans include ribbon-cutting events and exploring similar improvements at other parks.
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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Milnor, ND
AARP Community Challenge Grant Year: 2023
Project Category: Park enhancements
Description: Milnor faced a gap in outdoor recreation for its Northview neighborhood, leaving older adults without nearby options for fitness and social connection. To address this, the city added outdoor exercise equipment next to a children's playground. This included a strider and two chest presses, with a recumbent bike to follow in spring. Volunteers and city staff handled installation. Residents say they are eager to use the equipment, which offers a lasting alternative in a town without an indoor gym and encourages older adults to stay active while engaging with neighbors.
Project description was created using generative AI and then reviewed for accuracy.
Chautauqua, NY
AARP Community Challenge Grant Year: 2022
Project Category: Park enhancements
Description: Residents in a rural area lacked affordable outdoor recreation, and few public pickleball courts existed despite the sport's benefits for fitness and mental health. The project built two courts at the Chautauqua Tennis Center, without fees, and launched with a ribbon-cutting and popular classes that drew participants of all ages. The courts now serve as a hub for active play and social connection, especially for older adults, and have sparked plans for future expansion.
Project description was created using generative AI and then reviewed for accuracy.
Falcon Heights, MN
AARP Community Challenge Grant Year: 2020
Project Category: Park enhancements
Description: The Philando Castile Peace Garden Committee prepared the site of its planned memorial garden honoring Falcon Heights resident Philando Castile, who was killed by police in 2016. The Committee completed surveys of the property, conducted soil testing and created renderings of the planned garden. They created mockups of a fence designed to feature community art, as well as a remembrance bench. The Committee also hosted community work days, where volunteers prepared the soil and planted greenery. In the months since, the Committee has continued to raise private donations for the garden's creation and long-term upkeep. They recently completed accessible pathways, the remembrance bench and art at the site. Located at the site of the 2016 shooting, the garden is designed to give visitors a space to collective reflect, explore solutions to combat violence and foster community agency.
Nearby AARP Community Challenge Projects
Hayti, SD
AARP Community Challenge Grant Year: 2025
Project Category: Park enhancements
Description: The Town of Hayti tackled a long-standing comfort and safety issue at its softball field, where older adults often gather to watch grandchildren play. With no shade and uneven access around the grandstand, hot summer games were difficult to sit through and navigating the area posed challenges for people with mobility concerns. Local volunteers built a roof over the concrete bleachers, added guard rails and poured level cement pads on both sides to create wheelchair accessible access. The changes immediately improved comfort and safety, especially during peak summer heat. Community members shared that the value of the project became clear once the roof was in place, providing relief from the sun and making it easier to stay for full games. The upgraded grandstand is expected to serve residents for decades and is guiding plans for additional seating and shade as the field continues to function as a central gathering place.
Project description was created using generative AI and then reviewed for accuracy.
Milbank, SD
AARP Community Challenge Grant Year: 2022
Project Category: Park enhancements
Description: Milbank lacked basic amenities in parks and trails, making it harder for older adults and families to stay active and hydrated. The group installed benches at Flynn Nature Trail, added bike racks in four parks and placed two outdoor water fountains near walking areas and pickleball courts. They also donated playground equipment to Lake Farley Park. These upgrades made parks more inviting and supported healthy activity for all ages. Residents have expressed excitement and the improvements sparked ideas for future projects like a sculpture garden.
Project description was created using generative AI and then reviewed for accuracy.
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