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Inkom Revitalization Commission (2025) Print
2025 AARP Community Challenge Grantee
Project Category
Public places
└ Park enhancements
└ Park enhancements
Inkom had limited options for low-impact recreation that encouraged residents, including older adults, to stay active together in a shared space. The Inkom Revitalization Commission addressed this by building a new pickleball court in a central park already used for walking and daily activity. The project required coordination with city leaders, volunteers and local businesses to install the concrete pad, playing surface, lines and net needed for regular play. The completed court created a durable space where older adults and other residents can exercise, socialize and return often. Community response was strong enough that city leaders began pursuing funding for a second court, extending the project's impact. A student who led the effort described the process as demanding but rewarding, pointing to a lasting sense of accomplishment once the court was finished.
Project description was created using generative AI and then reviewed for accuracy.
Project description was created using generative AI and then reviewed for accuracy.
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Canistota, SD
AARP Community Challenge Grant Year: 2022
Project Category: Park enhancements
Description: Canistota's Stalting Park had sat unused, limiting opportunities for social connection and recreation. The city built a heated picnic shelter that doubles as a warming house and Farmers Market venue, added an ADA-compliant water fountain and created a raised planting bed. These upgrades complement pickleball and ice-skating facilities, offering low-impact exercise and gathering spaces. The shelter now hosts reunions and school events and will expand the Farmers Market. Residents describe the joy of watching children skate and the peace of sitting in the park. One older adult shared, "I love to just sit in the swing... to listen to the birds or just enjoy the beauty of Stalting Park."
Project description was created using generative AI and then reviewed for accuracy.
Gautier, MS
AARP Community Challenge Grant Year: 2024
Project Category: Park enhancements
Description: After years without fitness equipment, the college upgraded its walking track to address limited options for affordable exercise and provide new means for improving health. New outdoor stations, including accessible machines for people with disabilities, were installed without disrupting daily use. A ribbon cutting and workshops introduced the equipment, and a fitness challenge honored veterans while collecting supplies. The stations now offer free, inclusive exercise and social connection. One participant said that she fell in love with the new fitness station and plans to work out there more often.
Project description was created using generative AI and then reviewed for accuracy.
Independence, OR
AARP Community Challenge Grant Year: 2024
Project Category: Park enhancements
Description: Sunset Meadows Park lacked accessible play areas and seating, leaving older adults and families without safe spaces to gather. The city addressed this by installing nature play equipment, ADA swings, a hill slide and seating for small groups. It also added lighting and a safety surface for year-round use. Volunteers planted trees to add shade and improve water management. The upgrades created an active, age-friendly space that encourages outdoor activity and social connection while strengthening the city's park network. The Mayor said, "This park is a reminder of what we can accomplish together."
Project description was created using generative AI and then reviewed for accuracy.
Nearby AARP Community Challenge Projects
Pocatello, ID
AARP Community Challenge Grant Year: 2021
Project Category: Addressing community health
Description: Many low-income Pocatello residents have limited access to fresh fruit and vegetables. Growling Garden, a community-based organization that addresses food insecurity, worked to address this by providing families with raised garden box kits. Each family received a three-tiered garden box, seed packets, compost and trowels to help them plant a backyard garden. The project helped economically strapped families extend their food budgets and gain access to healthy produce.
Pocatello, ID
AARP Community Challenge Grant Year: 2018
Project Category: Engaging residents in vibrant public places
Description: Not every Pocatello neighborhood has its own public park or gathering space. To give residents a way to gather outside, NeighborWorks Pocatello created its Block Party Trailer. Equipped with folding picnic tables, chairs, cornhole games, an outdoor movie screen, collapsible garbage bins and more, the 22-foot trailer helps neighbors easily host block parties and other outdoor gatherings. "This will help people not only get to know their neighbors, but also just get them out into their neighborhoods," Neighborworks Community Equipment Manager Lisa Smith said.
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