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Three Forks, MT

AARP Community Challenge Grant Year: 2023

Project Category: Park enhancements

Description: Older adults using a popular walking loop in Three Forks lacked outdoor fitness options, especially for recovery after surgeries. To address this, the organization installed nine durable exercise stations-including torso twist, sky walker and dip bars-next to the level trail and near parking for easy access. The equipment creates a lasting resource for strength-building and rehabilitation in a natural setting. Feedback from users shows excitement among residents, and its metal design ensures long-term use for older adults seeking safe outdoor exercise.

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

Rexburg, ID

AARP Community Challenge Grant Year: 2026

Project Category: Park enhancements

Description: Damaged sections of asphalt walking paths will be repaired throughout a busy community park. Smoother surfaces will reduce tripping risks and help older adults travel safely year round.

Grand Junction, CO

AARP Community Challenge Grant Year: 2020

Project Category: Park enhancements

Description: Grand Junction Parks and Recreation created a strength training circuit along a walking path in Sherwood Park. To achieve this, GJPR installed four pieces of equipment for working out leg, arm and core muscles, including a rowing machine, sit up and pull up station and leg press. The park once housed similar fitness equipment, but GJCR had to remove it in the mid-nineties due to rot. Today, many residents of the surrounding neighborhoods are 50 and older, and the new equipment gives them an option for a cardio workout and strength training. The fitness stations are available to the public seven days a week and those interested can register for free instruction on how to use them.

Nearby AARP Community Challenge Projects

Gastonia, NC

AARP Community Challenge Grant Year: 2020

Project Category: Public space activation

Description: The Gaston County Department of Health and Human Services beautified a public space near Gastonia's Schiele Museum and the town's library. To encourage residents to get out and walk, the Department added a sidewalk mural at the library, which depicts astronauts on a spacewalk. Museum staff installed an outdoor exhibit about the Solar System. In addition, project organizers commissioned a local metalworks shop to create benches with a celestial theme. Other placemaking enhancements included adding planters and new graphic designs to adorn the nearby transit shelter, as well an amenity map display to help visitors locate nearby trails and greenspace.

Charlotte, NC

AARP Community Challenge Grant Year: 2026

Project Category: Innovative home maintenance, repair and support services

Description: Through home visits, the nonprofit will conduct safety checks and install simple features such as lighting, grab bars and other accessibility fixes. These updates will reduce household hazards and help older adults stay safely in their homes.

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