AARP Hearing Center
AARP Livable Communities Map
Headwaters Trail System (2023) Print
2023 AARP Community Challenge Grantee
Project Category
Public places
└ Park enhancements
└ Park enhancements
Older adults using a popular walking loop in Three Forks lacked outdoor fitness options, especially for recovery after surgeries. To address this, the organization installed nine durable exercise stations-including torso twist, sky walker and dip bars-next to the level trail and near parking for easy access. The equipment creates a lasting resource for strength-building and rehabilitation in a natural setting. Feedback from users shows excitement among residents, and its metal design ensures long-term use for older adults seeking safe outdoor exercise.
Project description was created using generative AI and then reviewed for accuracy.
Project description was created using generative AI and then reviewed for accuracy.
Photo Gallery
Image:
Click on a photo to learn more
See More Projects Like This One
St. Thomas, VI
AARP Community Challenge Grant Year: 2024
Project Category: Park enhancements
Description: Hurricanes left many parks in disrepair, and intense heat made outdoor spaces uncomfortable for older adults. The project built a durable shade structure with two ADA-compliant picnic tables near a playground, skate and bike park and open field, creating a cooler, welcoming spot for all ages. Volunteers also repaired a ballpark dugout and extended a concrete slab to improve accessibility. Families now use the shaded area for gatherings, and older adults enjoy a safe place to connect while watching activities. Built to withstand harsh island conditions, the structure will serve the community for decades.
Project description was created using generative AI and then reviewed for accuracy.
Bonanza, OR
AARP Community Challenge Grant Year: 2025
Project Category: Park enhancements
Description: Older adults and residents with mobility challenges had limited access to safe recreational spaces in a rural community with few public amenities. The existing playground had uneven surfaces and outdated equipment that prevented many residents from participating, limiting opportunities for physical activity and time with family. The district transformed Big Springs Park into a fully ADA-accessible playground with level surfaces, accessible play features, benches and shade. Older adult volunteers played a central role in planning and installation, helping ensure the space reflected real mobility needs and comfort concerns. The new playground created a dependable gathering place where older adults can stay active, socialize and spend time with grandchildren. By removing long-standing access barriers and engaging residents age 50 or over as leaders, the project strengthened community ownership and established inclusive design as a model for future public improvements.
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
Nearby AARP Community Challenge Projects
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.
Bozeman, MT
AARP Community Challenge Grant Year: 2017
Project Category: Roadway/sidewalks/crosswalk improvement
Description: The City of Bozeman partnered with the Western Transportation Institute to create a pop-up trailer, which they lend to community groups who want to test out street concepts and advocate for permanent changes. The toolkit contains materials for temporary demonstrations, such as straw wattles, planter boxes, pavement paint and tires. These are useful for creating curb extensions and pedestrian islands -- features that calm traffic by narrowing lanes and increasing the visibility of cyclists and pedestrians. The City deployed the kit at the intersection of Tamarack and North Tracy, where residents often complain about speeding. Located near a park, senior center and the county fairgrounds, the intersection is popular with pedestrians and cyclists. When the City polled passersby about the interventions, two-thirds of the feedback they heard was positive. The City also set up radar speed detection equipment, which showed slower vehicle speeds during pop-up project.
LEARN MORE AND STAY INFORMED
Find articles and resources about making communities more livable for people of all ages
Download or order free publications from AARP Livable Communities
Sign up for the free, weekly, award-winning AARP Livable Communities eNewsletter
Don't see your community listed?
LEARN HOW IT CAN JOIN THE NETWORKConnect with your AARP State Office
AARP has offices in all 50 states as well as in the District of Columbia, Puerto Rico and the U.S. Virgin Islands.
AARP Montana State Office
30 West 14th Street
Suite 301
Helena, MT 59601
United States