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Los Angeles Conservation Corps (2022) Print
2022 AARP Community Challenge Grantee
Project Category
Public places
└ Park enhancements
└ Park enhancements
Residents of Compton lack access to greenspace compared to their neighbors in other parts of Los Angeles County. Over several years, the Los Angeles Conservation Corps has worked to create the Compton Creek Natural Park, giving neighbors of all ages a place to gather outdoors. As part of those efforts, the nonprofit hosted a community tree planting event. After receiving training on the importance of native tree species and their care, volunteers worked to removed old trees on the site and replace them with new, drought-tolerant species. Additionally, they planted native vegetation. Organizers say the new park will improve residents' mental and physical health, give them a place to socialize and foster environmental stewardship.
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Lake City, CO
AARP Community Challenge Grant Year: 2019
Project Category: Park enhancements
Description: Lake City DIRT and town officials built a wood-framed pavilion in a park to house cultural, educational, recreational and community events. Construction finished in time for the pavilion to serve as an outdoor dining area during COVID-19 shutdowns in 2020. Since installation, project organizers have seen a 60 percent uptick in visitors in the area.
Keokuk, IA
AARP Community Challenge Grant Year: 2018
Project Category: Park enhancements
Description: 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.
Erie, IL
AARP Community Challenge Grant Year: 2025
Project Category: Park enhancements
Description: This project will add accessible seating and a .25-mile all-weather walking path to a public park. These improvements will create a vibrant space for residents of all ages and abilities to gather and enjoy the outdoors.
Nearby AARP Community Challenge Projects
Los Angeles, CA
AARP Community Challenge Grant Year: 2020
Project Category: Engaging residents in vibrant public places
Description: The Los Angeles State Historic Park's team wanted to figure out why older adults in the Chinese community were unlikely to visit the park, even though many live less than a half mile away. To increase engagement with this community, Los Angeles River State Park Partners connected with a key elder who helped with outreach efforts and translation. They then collected survey responses during a food distribution event, which provided information about park use and resource needs. Ahead of that event, they distributed flyers in Chinese advertising a giveaway of collapsible shopping carts. Interpreters were on hand during the gathering and the organization distributed nearly 500 bags of culturally appropriate produce. After the event, the River State Park Partners continued their engagement efforts by offering weekly Tai Chi classes. Project organizers say that since these efforts, more people have visited the park and taken advantage of its programs.
Los Angeles, CA
AARP Community Challenge Grant Year: 2025
Project Category: Walk Audits
Description: This project will lead walk audits in South LA neighborhoods to engage adults age 50 or over in exploring public spaces and identifying access barriers.
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