Limestone, ME

AARP Community Challenge Grant Year: 2020

Project Category: Park enhancements

Description: Part of larger efforts to revitalize a public park, this project created a walking path. Volunteers installed the path, which winds around newly installed playground equipment, giving residents of all ages a space to exercise and socialize. Project organizers say they are considering ways to expand the pathway to more areas of the park in the future.

Fort Worth, TX

AARP Community Challenge Grant Year: 2022

Project Category: Park enhancements

Description: Older adults visiting Al Hayne Memorial Park often arrive on foot to view the park's collection of public art installations. But nearby sidewalks were challenging to navigate, particularly for people with mobility challenges, as growing tree roots and setting earth resulted in an uneven walking surface. To make the four-block walking route more accessible and welcoming, Lancaster District Historic hosted a series of community work days. Volunteers addressed trip hazards, removed dead trees and painted over graffiti-covered walls. Since the cleanup, residents have volunteered to keep the space clean by collecting litter.

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.