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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
Milwaukee, WI
AARP Community Challenge Grant Year: 2020
Project Category: Park enhancements
Description: As part of the ongoing efforts to improve Gardner Park, the City of Milwaukee added a new community gathering space. Located in the Menomonee River Hills neighborhood, the intergenerational space features a gravel patio area, as well as wheelchair-accessible tables with built-in game boards, benches, an information kiosk and new landscaping. Previously, the City installed a new playground, walking path and fitness equipment at the park. Project organizers say in recent years the neighborhood has welcomed an influx of new families -- including those from the Hmong community -- underscoring the need for a public space for neighbors to meet and socialize.
Delaware, OH
AARP Community Challenge Grant Year: 2022
Project Category: Park enhancements
Description: Unity Park lacked safe gathering spaces and fitness options for older adults in an underserved neighborhood. The project added accessible fitness stations, a shade structure and a programming fitness area on a cushioned surface. It also put in benches and safety lighting to make the space inviting. These improvements introduced older adult recreation and created a venue for health programs in partnership with local agencies. One resident said, "I appreciate that there are benches and equipment that are accessible to people of all ages." Plans for a loop trail and additional amenities will expand opportunities for active living.
Project description was created using generative AI and then reviewed for accuracy.
Roslyn, SD
AARP Community Challenge Grant Year: 2024
Project Category: Park enhancements
Description: Roslyn's declining Main Street left few accessible spaces for gatherings, isolating older adults and limiting community life. CARE advanced its Veterans Memorial Park project by removing an old gazebo, installing ADA-compliant sidewalks and pathways and planting statement trees. Volunteers, including those over 50, helped relocate memorial bricks for reuse in the new design. Phase Two created an inclusive space and set the stage for monuments and a new gazebo, ensuring the park becomes a focal point for events and revitalization that connects residents of all ages.
Project description was created using generative AI and then reviewed for accuracy.
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.
Project description was created using generative AI and then reviewed for accuracy.
Laurel, MS
AARP Community Challenge Grant Year: 2024
Project Category: Public spaces improvements to increase high-speed internet availability
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Project description was created using generative AI and then reviewed for accuracy.
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