See More Projects Like This One

Hauula, HI

AARP Community Challenge Grant Year: 2022

Project Category: Park enhancements

Description: An abandoned five-acre lot had a high number of invasive plants and illegal dumping, leaving residents without a safe outdoor space. Hui o Hauula rallied more than 100 volunteers to clear the land, build a walking trail and install ten ADA-compliant benches. Older adults and youth collaborated with a local artist to paint a 20-foot mural celebrating resilience, unveiled during a cultural event with music and hula. Today, the site hosts daily walkers, children playing ball and a weekly farmers market, with plans for a resilience hub and health programs underway. "If you build it they will come... and they did," said one organizer.

Ephraim, UT

AARP Community Challenge Grant Year: 2021

Project Category: Park enhancements

Description: As part of community-wide efforts to improve parks and expand outdoor recreation opportunities, the City of Ephraim made improvements to an underused park. To create an accessible, inclusive space, the City purchased outdoor games for Pioneer Park. The games include concrete foosball and ping pong tables, a cornhole set and a ladder toss. Additionally, the City installed a table and seating in the space. Because the park is located in Ephraim's central business district, organizers hope the upgrades boost economic development in the area. Because many residents live below the poverty line, the improved park offers an important free recreation option. In the future, the City plans to construct accessible restroom facilities onsite.

Inkom, ID

AARP Community Challenge Grant Year: 2025

Project Category: Park enhancements

Description: This project will build a pickleball court, providing a low-impact and accessible workout for people of all ages, especially those age 50 and over.

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: This project will create an accessible garden area in a community garden with raised beds and gathering spaces designed for residents age 50-plus. It aims to promote food security and intergenerational engagement.

LEARN MORE AND STAY INFORMED

Find articles and resources about making communities more livable for people of all ages

people icon

Download or order free publications from AARP Livable Communities

download icon

Sign up for the free, weekly, award-winning AARP Livable Communities eNewsletter

mail icon

Don't see your community listed?

LEARN HOW IT CAN JOIN THE NETWORK

Connect 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 Ohio State Office

17 S. High Street
Suite 800
Columbus, OH 43215
United States

Phone: 866-389-5653
Fax: 614-224-9801
Email: [email protected]