Milwaukee, WI

AARP Community Challenge Grant Year: 2025

Project Category: Park enhancements

Description: Mujeres con Poder addressed barriers that made Kozy Park difficult to use for everyday activities, especially for older adults who needed places to rest and feel safe staying longer. Limited seating and unclear safety information meant some residents shortened visits or avoided the park, despite its role as a neighborhood gathering space. The project added benches and safety and wellness signage and paired these upgrades with community walks and planning sessions centered on resident input. The changes had an immediate effect. One grandmother shared that a bench near the playground now allows her to bring her grandson more often because she can sit in the shade while he plays. Together, these improvements supported more consistent park use and strengthened ongoing collaboration around safety and reducing isolation for older adults.

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

Omaha, NE

AARP Community Challenge Grant Year: 2022

Project Category: Park enhancements

Description: As part of efforts to revitalize a vacant building in Upland Park, this project made accessibility upgrades nearby. Project organizers installed a new walking path and accessible seating onsite. To beautify the space, volunteers worked to create public art. Additionally, this project replaced temporary garden beds with permanent raised-bed planters, which allow people to garden without having to squat down -- making the activity possible for people of all ages and abilities.

Honeoye, NY

AARP Community Challenge Grant Year: 2026

Project Category: Park enhancements

Description: The project will add benches along a popular park's walking trails and provide equipment for new pickleball courts. These updates will create rest spots and offer more opportunities for older adults and families to stay active and spend time outdoors.