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Highway Park Neighborhood Preservation and Enhancement District (2020) Print
2020 AARP Community Challenge Grantee
Project Category
Public places
└ Park enhancements
└ Park enhancements
This project installed a 10-station fitness trail exercise system in the MLK Sports Field in Highway Park -- the only such amenity in Highlands County. Meant to help residents improve their physical health through stretching, flexing and balancing, the trail also acts as a destination for residents and seasonal visitors to socialize. For years the Highway Park Preservation and Enhancement District requested amenities to enhance the park without much success. But securing funding for the fitness trail spurred the County to invest in Highland Park, including adding drinking fountains, repainting fencing, cleaning up graffiti and resurfacing the softball diamond. In addition, two successful crowdfunding campaigns allowed for installation of restrooms and a new sunshade for the park's playground.
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See More Projects Like This One
Greensboro, VT
AARP Community Challenge Grant Year: 2022
Project Category: Park enhancements
Description: Residents wanted safe outdoor access for mobility and therapy, but uneven terrain limited independence. The project built a nature trail with accessible tread, a boardwalk, and an improved viewing platform. It also added benches and signage to connect with village sidewalks. Now residents, families and staff use the trail for exercise and quiet breaks, and community members walk there daily. "Our new path and viewing platform and benches are being used... as a quiet, serene, restful place to regroup," said staff.
Project description was created using generative AI and then reviewed for accuracy.
Paonia, CO
AARP Community Challenge Grant Year: 2019
Project Category: Park enhancements
Description: The Town of Paonia made several improvements to Poulos Park, including construction of an accessible path, repairs to a wall, installation of new lighting and the addition of a conversation circle bench designed by local artists. The town also received the donation of a bronze sculpture to display in the park. Since these upgrades, a local theater company now uses the outdoor space, which also acts as a concert venue.
Angola, IN
AARP Community Challenge Grant Year: 2024
Project Category: Park enhancements
Description: Downtown Angola lacked accessible seating during events like Food Truck Fridays, limiting participation for older adults and people with mobility challenges. The project installed wheelchair-accessible picnic tables on permanent concrete pads in the community green space, creating a safe and inclusive environment. Volunteers helped with assembly, and branded plates were added to highlight the initiative. The tables now provide a lasting solution for social connection and comfort. One attendee said the new seating made events "less complicated" for her and her son, allowing them to simply come and enjoy the space.
Project description was created using generative AI and then reviewed for accuracy.
Nearby AARP Community Challenge Projects
Arcadia, FL
AARP Community Challenge Grant Year: 2025
Project Category: Pedestrian Safety
Description: This project will install pedestrian-friendly wayfinding signage in downtown Arcadia. The signs will highlight key destinations, historical sites, and cultural landmarks.
LaBelle, FL
AARP Community Challenge Grant Year: 2021
Project Category: Public space activation
Description: Downtown LaBelle was once a thriving destination, but in recent years many businesses have moved to different parts of town. Particularly challenging was an unusable tennis court, which sat vacant right in the heart of the downtown. To make the area more attractive to residents and visitors, the LaBelle Downtown Revitalization Corporation created a new, multigenerational space in the footprint of the tennis court. Project organizers removed the court's worn concrete and equipped the space with a roofed gazebo, placing seating and game tables underneath.
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