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Mississippi Gulf Coast Community College (2024) Print
2024 AARP Community Challenge Grantee
Project Category
Public places
└ Park enhancements
└ Park enhancements
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.
Project description was created using generative AI and then reviewed for accuracy.
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Arlee, MT
AARP Community Challenge Grant Year: 2023
Project Category: Park enhancements
Description: Older adults in Arlee lacked places to gather, leaving many isolated from community life. That changed when picnic tables and benches were added to the new garden site, giving residents a spot to rest, share stories and watch volunteers harvest more than 4,600 pounds of fresh produce. Three generations joined cleanup and planting events, turning the space into a hub for connection. Older adults now have a welcoming place to join the conversation, and plans for an expanded garden and orchard promise even more opportunities to strengthen ties and advance food sovereignty.
Project description was created using generative AI and then reviewed for accuracy.
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.
Project description was created using generative AI and then reviewed for accuracy.
Independence, OR
AARP Community Challenge Grant Year: 2024
Project Category: Park enhancements
Description: Sunset Meadows Park lacked accessible play areas and seating, leaving older adults and families without safe spaces to gather. The city addressed this by installing nature play equipment, ADA swings, a hill slide and seating for small groups. It also added lighting and a safety surface for year-round use. Volunteers planted trees to add shade and improve water management. The upgrades created an active, age-friendly space that encourages outdoor activity and social connection while strengthening the city's park network. The Mayor said, "This park is a reminder of what we can accomplish together."
Project description was created using generative AI and then reviewed for accuracy.
Nearby AARP Community Challenge Projects
Ocean Springs, MS
AARP Community Challenge Grant Year: 2021
Project Category: Roadway/sidewalks/crosswalk improvement
Description: Ocean Springs has an active group of advocates working to make streets safer for pedestrians and bicyclists. However, many intersections remain dangerous, as vehicle speeds can be high during peak commuting times. The Ocean Springs Pedestrians and Residents for Exercise and Youth Safety painted a pavement mural in one of the city's busiest intersections. The artwork is meant to slow traffic by drawing attention to pedestrians crossing the street. OSRPEYS also developed a pocket park nearby, which they equipped with picnic tables, planters, bike racks and native plants. Since its installation, the park has become a gathering space for community members of all ages and community groups host activities onsite.
Biloxi, MS
AARP Community Challenge Grant Year: 2024
Project Category: Accessibility of amenities
Description: Older adults visiting Harrison County libraries faced mobility and vision challenges that limited independence and comfort. The library added rolling walkers at three branches, sturdy chairs at West Biloxi and expanded its large-print collection to improve accessibility. These upgrades help patrons move confidently through the library and enjoy more reading options. One visitor said that using a rollator made it possible to browse and attend events again, showing how the project restored access and independence for older adults.
Project description was created using generative AI and then reviewed for accuracy.
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