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McComb Economic Development Organization (2017) Print
2017 AARP Community Challenge Grantee
Project Category
Public places
└ Park enhancements
└ Park enhancements
McComb prides itself on the public park on the village's east side, which encompasses four baseball fields, tennis and basketball courts, a public pool, two reservoirs for boating, walking and fitness trails and a 36-hole disc golf course. The McComb Economic Development Organization installed drinking fountains and benches around the reservoir, plus a merry-go-round and several swings, including one designed specifically for wheelchair users. The park has remained an important community resource and serves as the location for events, such as the annual McComb Cookie Festival.
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Minden, LA
AARP Community Challenge Grant Year: 2023
Project Category: Park enhancements
Description: Louisiana's intense summer heat left Dixie Inn's park nearly empty, limiting outdoor activity and social connection. To make the space usable, the village installed shade sails over benches, creating cool, sheltered spots that also offer protection from light rain. Volunteers helped with installation, and the sails were placed to maximize comfort. The change has drawn more residents, including older adults, to walk, rest and visit. "I walk the neighborhood for exercise and am pleased to have the sails to sit under and rest," said one resident.
Project description was created using generative AI and then reviewed for accuracy.
West St. Paul, MN
AARP Community Challenge Grant Year: 2024
Project Category: Park enhancements
Description: Kennedy Park was underused and lacked features for all ages, leaving older adults without inviting spaces. The city hosted three engagement events - a community meal, a movie night and a paint-the-pavement mural. These were attended by more than 200 participants. It also added a recreation trailer for pop-up activities and commissioned an artist-designed bench to provide seating. These efforts rebuilt trust and shaped a new concept plan for the park, sparked an arts initiative and secured new funding. One resident said that they were extremely thankful the designs reflected the community's vision.
Project description was created using generative AI and then reviewed for accuracy.
Gautier, MS
AARP Community Challenge Grant Year: 2024
Project Category: Park enhancements
Description: After years without fitness equipment, the college upgraded its walking track to address limited options for affordable exercise and provide new means for improving health. New outdoor stations, including accessible machines for people with disabilities, were installed without disrupting daily use. A ribbon cutting and workshops introduced the equipment, and a fitness challenge honored veterans while collecting supplies. The stations now offer free, inclusive exercise and social connection. One participant said that she fell in love with the new fitness station and plans to work out there more often.
Project description was created using generative AI and then reviewed for accuracy.
Nearby AARP Community Challenge Projects
Cleveland, OH
AARP Community Challenge Grant Year: 2018
Project Category: Park enhancements
Description: Pickleball -- a game that's a combination of tennis and ping pong -- has exploded in popularity. Because of its relatively small court, the sport involves less running, making it gentler on knees and joints than tennis, so it's particularly appealing to older adults. To accommodate demand for playing space, the City of Findlay converted unused, dilapidated tennis courts in Riverside Park into eight new pickleball courts. Bleacher seating onsite enables the new courts to host leagues and tournaments. Project organizers also installed a bulletin board for sharing information, as well as a wind screen to shield players. Since construction completed, City staff report the courts are full nearly every morning.
Findlay, OH
AARP Community Challenge Grant Year: 2025
Project Category: Community Gardens
Description: Many older adults had limited access to fresh food and safe outdoor spaces, especially in areas with few grocery options and higher rates of disability. These barriers made it harder for residents age 50 or over to stay active, eat well and connect with others. United Way of Hancock County redesigned the Findlay Community Garden to better serve older adults by adding raised beds, clearer pathways and shared gathering areas that reduce physical strain and improve access. The updated layout allowed older residents to garden comfortably and return to a routine many had valued earlier in life. Participants shared that the changes helped them feel independent and connected while growing food for themselves and others. The expanded garden now supports ongoing volunteer involvement, food sharing and long-term use as a stable community resource.
Project description was created using generative AI and then reviewed for accuracy.
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