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Hattiesburg Landmark Preservation (2021) Print
2021 AARP Community Challenge Grantee
Project Category
Public places
└ Park enhancements
└ Park enhancements
Duncan Lake Park in Hattiesburg's East Jerusalem neighborhood is popular with residents, yet many of the park's amenities were in disrepair. To give the park new life, Hattiesburg Landmark Preservation refurbished picnic tables with new tops featuring painted checkerboards. They also installed new benches, added a wheelchair-accessible sidewalk and created two murals depicting native plants and animals. Today, the park hosts free arts programming for residents of all ages.
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See More Projects Like This One
Bolton, CT
AARP Community Challenge Grant Year: 2022
Project Category: Park enhancements
Description: An underused outdoor area with worn furniture limited opportunities for socializing and fitness. The center installed a pickleball court, added benches and upgraded the patio with accessible tables and chairs. Raised garden beds and a refreshed storage shed completed the transformation. The space now supports active living and community gatherings. "Wow, look at that! It looks amazing," said one resident during a local event, reflecting excitement about the new amenities and plans for expanded programming.
Kingston, NY
AARP Community Challenge Grant Year: 2019
Project Category: Park enhancements
Description: The City of Kingston installed two chess tables with seating at its waterfront T.R. Gallo Wes Strand Park. Dubbed a chess playground, the facilities are meant to allow people of all generations to play chess or checkers. In addition to tables and benches, the City added an accessible, concrete sidewalk and improved landscaping onsite. With the arrival of the COVID-19 pandemic, the new tables gave residents a safe, outdoor space to gather.
Charleston, WV
AARP Community Challenge Grant Year: 2020
Project Category: Park enhancements
Description: This project upgraded Charleston's East End Dog Park to make it usable for pet owners of all ages. The City planted trees, installed shade structures and added seating. They also made repairs to the park's water source and planted grass. In addition, City workers fenced off a section of the dog park specifically for smaller dogs, keeping them separate from larger breeds that can intimidate them.
Nearby AARP Community Challenge Projects
Hattiesburg, MS
AARP Community Challenge Grant Year: 2022
Project Category: Park enhancements
Description: Midtown's only public park had broken basketball hoops, little seating and no vibrant features, limiting recreation and social connection. The project transformed the space with new basketball hoops, a professionally painted court mural, two large-scale murals and four age-friendly benches along the walking track. Colorful crosswalk art improved safety and visual appeal. The park now serves as a lively gathering space for all ages. "Revitalizing and beautifying neighborhoods and parks is important work... These additions represent the power of community and working together," said a local representative.
Laurel, MS
AARP Community Challenge Grant Year: 2024
Project Category: Public spaces improvements to increase high-speed internet availability
Description: In rural Jones County, many older adults faced isolation and limited access to books, technology and health resources due to poverty and transportation barriers. The library transformed a rundown trolley into LOTTIE, a mobile hub equipped with Wi-Fi, laptops, books and programming supplies. It now delivers technology classes, health clinics and library services directly to neighborhoods and care centers. This has helped bridge the digital divide and served to foster increased social connection. One patron in her late 70s said receiving books and audiobooks at home after months of isolation "made me cry," showing how the project restored joy and independence for older residents.
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