Hillsboro, KS

AARP Community Challenge Grant Year: 2026

Project Category: Park enhancements

Description: The city will build five accessible outdoor pickleball courts with seating and lighting. These courts will offer a safe place for exercise, social play and shared recreation for people of all ages.

Manchester, NH

AARP Community Challenge Grant Year: 2025

Project Category: Park enhancements

Description: Queen City Bicycle Collective addressed safety and access barriers that discouraged older adults from biking or walking in public parks. Limited bike parking, visibility concerns and fear of theft made active travel feel risky. The project installed new bicycle racks in parks and distributed free locks, lights and rechargeable high-visibility vests and sashes. The additions helped residents feel safer and more confident using parks for walking and biking. One older adult said the vest improved his visibility and made daily walks feel safer.

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

Charleston, SC

AARP Community Challenge Grant Year: 2021

Project Category: Park enhancements

Description: Hampstead Square is Charleston's oldest public green space. But the square had fallen into disrepair after years of neglect, made worse by flooding. Keep Charleston Beautiful partnered with the City of Charleston to launch a multi-year park revitalization, part of broader work to bring greenspace to the community. They installed an irrigation system and updated landscaping. To give nearby residents free internet access, they also set up a Wi-Fi hotspot. Volunteers -- including community members and local businessowners -- helped complete the work and chip in additional funding. Inspired by the progress, organizers later added a new historic marker and statue of famed Charleston blacksmith Philip Simmons, which inform visitors about the park's legacy. Since the improvements, the space has hosted health and fitness activities, youth programs and free outdoor movie screenings.