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Keokuk Parks Foundation (2018) Print
2018 AARP Community Challenge Grantee
Project Category
Public places
└ Park enhancements
└ Park enhancements
To improve community health concerns and opportunities for physical activity, Keokuk Parks Foundation converted a long-neglected set of tennis courts into six pickleball courts. In addition, they installed two benches onsite, along with a trash receptacle and signage. Today, the local library offers pickleball equipment on loan at its nearby site, while members of the local pickleball club conduct free lessons. The new courts have turned a neighborhood eyesore into a vibrant, attractive recreational outlet for residents. Pickleball -- a fast-paced game modeled on tennis and ping-pong -- is popular with older adults because it is low-impact and friendly on aging joints.
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Kingwood, WV
AARP Community Challenge Grant Year: 2019
Project Category: Park enhancements
Description: Although this project originally set out to expand social activities at Decker's Creek Park, the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic forced organizers to pivot. Instead, the Preston County Parks and Recreation Commission made improvements to the park's green space to increase walkability and accessibility for park visitors. They added an accessible picnic table, raised garden beds, trash cans, an information kiosk and a wooden sign for the park. They also planted the garden beds with pollinator-friendly perennials, with plans to invite the local Master Gardeners to use the plots in the future. In addition, the Parks and Recreation Commission painted and replaced boards on the park's pedestrian bridge. Since these upgrades, the Commission reports more visitors to the park, as well as an uptick in youth volunteer service. Recent projects include a new picnic table, outdoor classroom, little free library and bench.
Hallowell, ME
AARP Community Challenge Grant Year: 2024
Project Category: Park enhancements
Description: Flooding wiped out picnic tables at Granite City Park, limiting access for older adults and visitors with mobility challenges. To restore usability, Vision Hallowell installed an ADA-accessible picnic table on a level platform with a smooth path from the parking lot and added bike racks for cyclists. Volunteers prepared the site, and the group hosted a celebration honoring decades of park improvements. These upgrades created durable amenities that enhance recreation and social connection. One local leader said the changes allow "people of all abilities to take in the environment and community."
Project description was created using generative AI and then reviewed for accuracy.
Haigler, NE
AARP Community Challenge Grant Year: 2022
Project Category: Park enhancements
Description: A pair of neglected tennis courts left residents without a safe space for recreation. The project cleaned and repaired the area, added basketball hoops, a tennis net and a pickleball court, and installed ADA-compliant benches and a community bulletin board. The revitalized courts now host multigenerational activities and complement wellness programs nearby. "I didn't even know what pickleball was, but you know what-let's try it," said one older resident, reflecting renewed enthusiasm for active living.
Project description was created using generative AI and then reviewed for accuracy.
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AARP Community Challenge Grant Year: 2024
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Project description was created using generative AI and then reviewed for accuracy.
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