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Fitlot (2017) Print
2017 AARP Community Challenge Grantee
Project Category
Transportation
└ Trails
└ Trails
Construction of an ADA-accessible footbridge and walking path connected a community FitLot to the Lafitte Greenway, an active rails-to-trails pedestrian path. Before, people had to jump across a muddy stretch of grass to reach the fitness park from the greenway. Since the City of New Orleans suffers from one of the largest health disparity gaps in the nation, project organizers also set up a no-cost fitness program taught by professional trainers. The classes attract local older adults. "Every time I'm here they are very happy and motivated," trainer Natoya Wayne said. "They interact with each other and encourage each other during the session, and that motivates me."
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See More Projects Like This One
Medicine Lodge, KS
AARP Community Challenge Grant Year: 2022
Project Category: Trails
Description: The Intertribal Powwow Grounds lacked accessible infrastructure, making it hard for tribal elders and visitors to participate fully in cultural events. The association installed a concrete parking area with four accessible spaces, a sidewalk linking key areas and benches for rest. These upgrades created a safe, welcoming environment and set the stage for the Five Tribes Outdoor Museum Trail. Volunteers-many age 50-plus -helped complete the work, ensuring the space will serve as a year-round destination. A tribal member mentioned how helpful the sidewalk and benches are going to be.
Three Forks, MT
AARP Community Challenge Grant Year: 2020
Project Category: Trails
Description: The City of Three Forks improved its Headwaters Trail system by installing benches and bike racks, as well as signage displaying trail directions and mileage. Project organizers placed the new benches at prime locations for viewing wildlife. The City also modified the pavement where trails cross local streets to make them easily passable for wheelchair users. These improvements helped bolster community support for the Jefferson Trail Loop -- a new trail within the Headwaters system.
Woodstock, IL
AARP Community Challenge Grant Year: 2022
Project Category: Trails
Description: An overgrown section of Emricson Park kept older adults and families from enjoying its natural beauty. The city transformed the space by clearing the woods, adding a crushed limestone trail, natural seating and bilingual educational signage. A grand opening featured forest therapy walks and Cycling Without Age rides, drawing enthusiastic participation. The new trail improves access for all ages and strengthens Woodstock's age-friendly vision, paving the way for an inclusive playground planned nearby.
Nearby AARP Community Challenge Projects
New Orleans, LA
AARP Community Challenge Grant Year: 2025
Project Category: Public space activation
Description: This project will transform an unused lot into an orchard and social community space with fruit trees, benches, bike racks, and accessible walkways.
New Orleans, LA
AARP Community Challenge Grant Year: 2022
Project Category: Lifelong housing and accessibility
Description: In New Orleans' Central City, soaring rents and a 20,000-person voucher waitlist left older adults facing unsafe housing. Bethlehem built a 2-bedroom ADA-accessible home with a wheelchair lift, partnering with Tulane architecture students for design and labor. The project drew more than 100 neighbors to a blessing event and mobilized 500 donors. It also prompted a zoning change allowing affordable housing in 3- and 4-plexes citywide and inspired plans for three more units. One visitor said, "He broke down crying... and told me his father had lived in affordable housing that was unsafe."
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