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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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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.
Lawrence, NE
AARP Community Challenge Grant Year: 2021
Project Category: Park enhancements
Description: The local park in Lawrence lacked places for visitors to sit. To make the park more accessible for people of all ages and abilities, the Nuckolls County Federation and Lawrence Community Fund installed park benches and ADA-compliant picnic tables near the town's swimming pool and sports fields. The improvements built on work the partners already do to provide amenities for the village, including playground equipment and trash receptacles. Now that the park is more welcoming, community members are looking into other ways to improve the space, including replacing an outdated merry-go-round.
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.
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: Older adults in a South Los Angeles neighborhood struggled with cracked sidewalks, missing curb ramps and poor lighting that made short trips feel risky and limited independence. Los Angeles Walks organized a walk audit designed so older adults could safely participate, offering both walking and ride options. Guided by advocates, participants pointed out barriers, shared daily experiences and documented how street conditions affect routine trips to the community center, shops and transit. The audit gave older adults a platform to be heard and strengthened local advocacy for safer streets. One participant said, "I was thinking about my mother and feeling frustrated that the government doesn't listen when we report uneven walkways." The process increased confidence among participants and helped build trust with public agencies, informing future efforts to improve access and safety.
Project description was created using generative AI and then reviewed for accuracy.
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