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.

Prineville, OR

AARP Community Challenge Grant Year: 2018

Project Category: Park enhancements

Description: When organizers with Crook County on the Move asked older adults what they would like to see in Ochoco Creek Park, they overwhelmingly asked for more places to sit along the park's 1.5-mile pathway. So to increase accessibility, the organization installed 12 park benches at 300 foot intervals along the walkway. Each bench has a 4-foot space surrounding it to accommodate wheelchair users and give people a space to park walkers and strollers. Organizers hope the benches inspire older adults and people with mobility challenges to visit the park and reap the benefits of outdoor exercise. Spurred by the success of this project, Crook County on the Move fundraised to install an additional 12 benches along the path. Organizers say they are now looking to install benches in other parks around Crook County.

Newton, KS

AARP Community Challenge Grant Year: 2022

Project Category: Park enhancements

Description: This project installed ADA-compliant benches and educational signage at a future wetlands park located one mile from a large retirement community. It also created safety warnings and pavement markings at the site.