AARP Hearing Center
AARP Livable Communities Map
Malad City (2023) Print
2023 AARP Community Challenge Grantee
Project Category
Public places
└ Park enhancements
└ Park enhancements
Older adults in Malad lacked safe pickleball courts, forcing play on deteriorating tennis courts or indoors at inconvenient hours. The city built eight regulation courts with fencing in Malad City Park, with volunteers-mostly age 50-plus-helping pour concrete, install nets and stripe courts. The new space is used daily and has sparked local tournaments, drawing players from teens to those in their 80s. "Pickleball is alive and well in Malad," one longtime player said, reflecting how the project boosted health, recreation and community life. Plans include adding lighting and benches for comfort.
Project description was created using generative AI and then reviewed for accuracy.
Project description was created using generative AI and then reviewed for accuracy.
Photo Gallery
Image:
Click on a photo to learn more
See More Projects Like This One
Royal Oak, MI
AARP Community Challenge Grant Year: 2024
Project Category: Park enhancements
Description: Older adults and people with disabilities struggled to enjoy outdoor spaces at the Senior Center because benches and tables were unsafe and inaccessible. The city replaced them with ADA-compliant picnic tables and benches on hard-surface paths, creating safe spots for socializing and respite near the arboretum. These upgrades complement major park investments and encourage older adults to gather outdoors and participate in programs. A spring Arbor Day event will showcase the improvements, reinforcing long-term plans for inclusive public spaces.
Project description was created using generative AI and then reviewed for accuracy.
Augusta, GA
AARP Community Challenge Grant Year: 2018
Project Category: Park enhancements
Description: Organizers with the Augusta Recreation and Parks Department noticed people were driving their vehicles into Henry H. Brigham Park, making park users feel unsafe. This project set out to prevent this, keeping a walking track, basketball court and playground area free from cars and trucks. The Department installed bollards, as well as benches -- which served the dual purpose of giving park patrons a place to rest. Additionally, organizers planted shade trees to make the park more appealing in the summer heat. To draw visitors, the Department also worked to increase recreational programming in the park, including Tai Chi classes.
Richmond, VA
AARP Community Challenge Grant Year: 2022
Project Category: Park enhancements
Description: An eco-park lacked seating, signage and accessible paths, limiting older adults' ability to walk or join community programs. The seminary installed ADA-compliant picnic tables and benches, improved trails and added signage to create welcoming spaces. Volunteers helped assemble tables and supported intergenerational activities like a summer eco-camp. These upgrades removed barriers and encouraged social interaction. One group of longtime park users expressed gratitude for the new tables and benches, saying they finally had comfortable seating for daily gatherings.
Project description was created using generative AI and then reviewed for accuracy.
Nearby AARP Community Challenge Projects
Inkom, ID
AARP Community Challenge Grant Year: 2025
Project Category: Park enhancements
Description: Inkom had limited options for low-impact recreation that encouraged residents, including older adults, to stay active together in a shared space. The Inkom Revitalization Commission addressed this by building a new pickleball court in a central park already used for walking and daily activity. The project required coordination with city leaders, volunteers and local businesses to install the concrete pad, playing surface, lines and net needed for regular play. The completed court created a durable space where older adults and other residents can exercise, socialize and return often. Community response was strong enough that city leaders began pursuing funding for a second court, extending the project's impact. A student who led the effort described the process as demanding but rewarding, pointing to a lasting sense of accomplishment once the court was finished.
Project description was created using generative AI and then reviewed for accuracy.
Pocatello, ID
AARP Community Challenge Grant Year: 2021
Project Category: Addressing community health
Description: Many low-income Pocatello residents have limited access to fresh fruit and vegetables. Growling Garden, a community-based organization that addresses food insecurity, worked to address this by providing families with raised garden box kits. Each family received a three-tiered garden box, seed packets, compost and trowels to help them plant a backyard garden. The project helped economically strapped families extend their food budgets and gain access to healthy produce.
LEARN MORE AND STAY INFORMED
Find articles and resources about making communities more livable for people of all ages
Download or order free publications from AARP Livable Communities
Sign up for the free, weekly, award-winning AARP Livable Communities eNewsletter
Don't see your community listed?
LEARN HOW IT CAN JOIN THE NETWORKConnect with your AARP State Office
AARP has offices in all 50 states as well as in the District of Columbia, Puerto Rico and the U.S. Virgin Islands.
AARP Idaho State Office
250 S. 5th Street
Suite 800
Boise, ID 83702
United States