AARP Hearing Center
AARP Livable Communities Map
Huron Housing Authority (2021) Print
2021 AARP Community Challenge Grantee
Project Category
Public places
└ Park enhancements
└ Park enhancements
Several years ago, the Huron Housing Authority transformed a vacant city lot into a new dog park, giving residents a much-needed outdoor gathering space. However, when work completed on Cook Park, project organizers realized park visitors had no place to escape the sun's hot rays. To provide shade and improve the park's appearance, the Authority planted nine trees onsite. The park also received a new water fountain, pet waste receptacles and a bulletin board, thanks to donations from local nonprofits. Project organizers say they hope the improved park will spark other investment in the diverse neighborhood.
Photo Gallery
Image:
Click on a photo to learn more
See More Projects Like This One
Amesville, OH
AARP Community Challenge Grant Year: 2021
Project Category: Park enhancements
Description: Since Amesville earned its designation as a Bee City USA, the village has worked to sustain pollinators. To provide pollinating birds and insects with a habitat rich in native plants and free from insecticides, the Village created a pollinator garden. The effort activated an underused meadow in Gifford Park. Volunteers used a natural herbicide to clear out unwanted grass, then spread compost and seeded the half-acre site with wildflowers. They also constructed birdboxes and installed seating and signage. Since completing the project, the Village has hosted mini-festivals onsite, which feature walking tours of the garden.
Hillsboro, ND
AARP Community Challenge Grant Year: 2018
Project Category: Park enhancements
Description: Hillsboro is a small town without a school or senior center. Because of this, Buxton City Park features the community's only playground area. To make the playground more welcoming to people of all ages and abilities, the Buxton Park Board installed updated playground equipment and laid down soft landing material. Project organizers say the improvements have made the park an important intergenerational gathering space. The playground and park shelter are now the site of book club and Scouts meetings, celebrations and other community events.
Blue Rapids, KS
AARP Community Challenge Grant Year: 2022
Project Category: Park enhancements
Description: To provide affordable recreation for older adults, the project converted a basketball court into a pickleball court and added a bench. Free equipment is available for checkout, and a demonstration day introduced the game to residents. The court now offers a year-round fitness option that encourages health and social connection. "The group that gathered to watch the demonstration was excited about the possibility of playing," said one organizer, noting plans for indoor play during winter.
Project description was created using generative AI and then reviewed for accuracy.
Nearby AARP Community Challenge Projects
Rapid City, SD
AARP Community Challenge Grant Year: 2023
Project Category: Public space activation
Description: Visitors in busy community spaces often had no place to sit, leaving people without a comfortable spot to rest during walks or long visits. To address this, the group partnered with a welding class to design and build two ADA-compliant benches, which were finished with powder coating and installed on new concrete pads. Placing them in the market park created the only seating in that area and offered shaded resting spots for people spending time there. Members said the project helped them recognize broader unmet needs in their community and inspired future efforts. One volunteer noted that the benches were placed in "perfect shaded areas", making the park easier for people to enjoy.
Project description was created using generative AI and then reviewed for accuracy.
Canton, SD
AARP Community Challenge Grant Year: 2025
Project Category: Bike Audits
Description: The downtown highway crossing in Canton had become hazardous for people walking and biking because drivers often failed to slow or stop. The Chamber used bike audits to document safety gaps and visibility issues, then partnered with the state DOT to install new signs and repaint crosswalks. These steps set the stage for safer routes and more predictable movement for those who rely on walking or biking. Plans are for additional installations to be installed in the upcoming year.
Project description was created using generative AI and then reviewed for accuracy.
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 South Dakota State Office
5101 S. Nevada Avenue
Suite 150
Sioux Falls, SD 57108
United States