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
Windham, CT
AARP Community Challenge Grant Year: 2023
Project Category: Park enhancements
Description: The project aimed to transform a neglected downtown park into a welcoming space for social connection. Grant funds provided four ADA-compliant tables and benches, giving residents a place to gather and linger. The new seating quickly became popular, inspiring momentum for a full redesign. A landscape architect is now developing plans for a vibrant community hub, and residents are already using the space for picnics and informal gatherings instead of just passing through.
Project description was created using generative AI and then reviewed for accuracy.
Chautauqua, NY
AARP Community Challenge Grant Year: 2022
Project Category: Park enhancements
Description: Residents in a rural area lacked affordable outdoor recreation, and few public pickleball courts existed despite the sport's benefits for fitness and mental health. The project built two courts at the Chautauqua Tennis Center, without fees, and launched with a ribbon-cutting and popular classes that drew participants of all ages. The courts now serve as a hub for active play and social connection, especially for older adults, and have sparked plans for future expansion.
Project description was created using generative AI and then reviewed for accuracy.
Charleston, WV
AARP Community Challenge Grant Year: 2019
Project Category: Park enhancements
Description: To make its underused East End Community Park more inviting, the City of Charleston added a splash pad, playground equipment and new greenery. First, the City held a community clean up day, where volunteers helped prepare the site. Then the City installed new equipment, including a swing set, two ski walker gliders and a water umbrella for the splash pad. The City also planted trees to shade the park's walking path and improve its overall appearance. In addition, they added lighting to improve park safety by illuminating the walking path, the community garden and other areas. Since these changes, project organizers report more families are using the park and neighbors are chipping in to keep the area free of litter.
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