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Glen Ullin Park District (2023) Print
2023 AARP Community Challenge Grantee
Project Category
Public places
└ Public space activation
└ Public space activation
Outdoor options for older adults were scarce in Glen Ullin, leaving few chances for social connection. That changed when two permanent concrete cornhole games were installed-one at a playground and another downtown-giving residents a simple, fun way to stay active. Volunteers hosted instructional events, and soon people of all ages were stopping by to play. "These games are so awesome, people stop over while we are playing and want to join the fun," said one resident. The project turned idle spaces into lively gathering spots, fostering engagement and movement for everyone.
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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See More Projects Like This One
Pendleton, IN
AARP Community Challenge Grant Year: 2023
Project Category: Public space activation
Description: An unused downtown lot offered little for community life, leaving older adults without a welcoming outdoor space. The Foundation transformed it into a pocket park with seating, shade and landscaping, then hosted 30 conversation events pairing older adults with students. Festive activities like Letters to Santa and a ribbon-tying ceremony drew attention to the space. Residents now gather there for informal meetups and envision more amenities, making the park a hub for connection and intergenerational engagement.
Project description was created using generative AI and then reviewed for accuracy.
Toledo, OH
AARP Community Challenge Grant Year: 2020
Project Category: Public space activation
Description: To transform a vacant lot into a pocket park, Salem Lutheran Church installed benches at the site. Inspired by the improvements, community members contributed donations to construct concrete pads for the benches and add trash receptacles nearby. The Church also built a pergola to provide shade at a nearby bus stop, making it the only stop with shelter in the immediate neighborhood. Project organizers engaged local teenagers to help with installation, who volunteered alongside residents. Salem Lutheran Church has since continued its efforts to revitalize North Toledo, hosting a summer youth program to build a community garden for the neighborhood.
Derry, NH
AARP Community Challenge Grant Year: 2019
Project Category: Public space activation
Description: To encourage community bonding and intergenerational connections, the Marion Gerrish Community Center created an outdoor space for people to play games. The Center chose large games -- including cornhole, bocce, Jenga, Connect Four, Yardzee, Farkel, chess and checkers -- that would be easy to play and visible from the street. They made the area designated for the games level, ensuring it would be accessible and safe. The Center offers weekly times for older adults to play cornhole and bocce. Community members can sign out the games for use on the property and the Center also loans them out for local events, including Derry Fest, the Derry Farmers Market and the local police departments' National Nite Out.
Nearby AARP Community Challenge Projects
Mandan, ND
AARP Community Challenge Grant Year: 2024
Project Category: Bikeability
Description: Downtown Mandan lacked bike parking, making it harder for residents and visitors to choose biking over driving. The city installed 25 bike racks at key destinations, including near housing and services for older adults, and promoted biking through social media. The racks connect downtown to regional trails and doubled the city's bike parking options, encouraging active transportation and healthier lifestyles. The project also set the stage for future street upgrades and zoning changes to expand bike infrastructure. One older adult said having a safe place to park his bike while his car was in the shop let him stay active and run errands, showing the immediate benefit for mobility and independence.
Project description was created using generative AI and then reviewed for accuracy.
Hazen, ND
AARP Community Challenge Grant Year: 2022
Project Category: Accessibility of amenities
Description: Older adults and people with mobility challenges could not access the library's basement meeting rooms, limiting participation in art classes and community events. The project installed three chairlifts on two stairwells, creating safe, reliable access and plans to add a wheelchair for convenience. These improvements ensure long-term accessibility for older adults and people with disabilities. "The chairlifts will ensure that our art group will be able to continue to use the room we rent downstairs... We are very excited," said a participant.
Project description was created using generative AI and then reviewed for accuracy.
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