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Medicine Lodge Peace Treaty Association (2022) Print
2022 AARP Community Challenge Grantee
Project Category
Transportation
└ Trails
└ Trails
The Intertribal Powwow Grounds lacked accessible infrastructure, making it hard for tribal elders and visitors to participate fully in cultural events. The association installed a concrete parking area with four accessible spaces, a sidewalk linking key areas and benches for rest. These upgrades created a safe, welcoming environment and set the stage for the Five Tribes Outdoor Museum Trail. Volunteers-many age 50-plus -helped complete the work, ensuring the space will serve as a year-round destination. A tribal member mentioned how helpful the sidewalk and benches are going to be.
Project description was created using generative AI and then reviewed for accuracy.
Project description was created using generative AI and then reviewed for accuracy.
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See More Projects Like This One
Woodstock, IL
AARP Community Challenge Grant Year: 2022
Project Category: Trails
Description: An overgrown section of Emricson Park kept older adults and families from enjoying its natural beauty. The city transformed the space by clearing the woods, adding a crushed limestone trail, natural seating and bilingual educational signage. A grand opening featured forest therapy walks and Cycling Without Age rides, drawing enthusiastic participation. The new trail improves access for all ages and strengthens Woodstock's age-friendly vision, paving the way for an inclusive playground planned nearby.
Project description was created using generative AI and then reviewed for accuracy.
Memphis, TN
AARP Community Challenge Grant Year: 2023
Project Category: Trails
Description: Big River Park lacked safe, accessible entry for older adults and visitors with mobility challenges. To address this, the project upgraded 50 feet of trail and added a circular gathering area with ADA-compliant washed gravel concrete and historic stone benches. These improvements created the park's only fully accessible river view, serving as a "welcome mat" for all visitors. Stakeholders praised the transformation, noting its visibility to nearly every guest and its role in making nature more inclusive.
Project description was created using generative AI and then reviewed for accuracy.
Hastings, NE
AARP Community Challenge Grant Year: 2019
Project Category: Trails
Description: To facilitate outdoor physical activity for its residents, the City of Hastings installed four Rest/Rehydrate/Repair stations along the Pioneer Spirit Trail. Each station features a bench, accessible water fountain and pet dish, as well as a concrete pad where bikes can safety pull off the trail. They included shade trees and other landscaping at each location. In addition, two of the stations feature bicycle repair stands with air pumps and other tools. Since their installation, the 3R stations have welcomed thousands of visitors. As part of plans to expand the Pioneer Spirit Trail, the City plans to construct more 3R stations.
Nearby AARP Community Challenge Projects
Blue Rapids, KS
AARP Community Challenge Grant Year: 2022
Project Category: Park enhancements
Description: To provide affordable recreation for older adults, the project converted a basketball court into a pickleball court and added a bench. Free equipment is available for checkout, and a demonstration day introduced the game to residents. The court now offers a year-round fitness option that encourages health and social connection. "The group that gathered to watch the demonstration was excited about the possibility of playing," said one organizer, noting plans for indoor play during winter.
Project description was created using generative AI and then reviewed for accuracy.
Caney, KS
AARP Community Challenge Grant Year: 2025
Project Category: Public Places Other
Description: This project will revitalize basketball and tennis courts by repainting basketball courts, adding new goals, and converting tennis courts into pickleball courts.
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