Crooks, SD

AARP Community Challenge Grant Year: 2025

Project Category: Park enhancements

Description: The Town of Crooks set out to build a public space where residents could honor veterans and spend time outdoors in ways that worked for older adults and people with mobility challenges. As the park took shape, limited lighting and shelter made walking paths and gathering areas harder to use safely, especially in the evening. Crooks Veterans Park addressed these gaps by adding accent lighting along the walking path and installing a picnic shelter with electrical access. The lighting improved visibility and security after hours, while the shelter created a shaded place to sit, reflect and gather during visits and events. These upgrades expanded how and when residents could use the park and supported plans to make the trail fully accessible. Attendance at Veterans Day events continued to grow, reinforcing the park as a place veterans, older adults and families return to together.

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

Searchlight Township, NV

AARP Community Challenge Grant Year: 2021

Project Category: Park enhancements

Description: As part of long-term efforts to improve Rex Bell, Jr. Trails Park, the Searchlight Betterment Organization installed a bocce ball court onsite. The courts are open to the public four days a week and participants can check out game sets to use for free. Project organizers say the courts have helped combat social isolation, especially during the COVID-19 pandemic. Since construction completed, the site has offered lessons on the rules of bocce ball, and volunteers have stepped in to coordinate local player groups for adults and children

Dillingham, AK

AARP Community Challenge Grant Year: 2025

Project Category: Park enhancements

Description: This program addressed a lack of places for older adults to rest while walking or biking to everyday destinations in Dillingham. They purchased benches, picnic tables and bike racks for the waterfront, park playground and tribal wellness center to give older residents safe spots to pause and gather. These additions improved heavily used areas and strengthened collaboration with local partners. The new furnishings encouraged more walking and helped residents feel proud of shared spaces. A program director said these adults appreciated being considered, noting how the project increased their sense of being cared for.

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