AARP Hearing Center
AARP Livable Communities Map
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.
Photo Gallery
Image:
Click on a photo to learn more
See More Projects Like This One
West Monroe, LA
AARP Community Challenge Grant Year: 2024
Project Category: Park enhancements
Description: The Sunken Gardens at Kiroli Park had deteriorated, leaving older adults without a safe, peaceful space to enjoy nature. The city renovated the garden by installing benches as well as iron arches and trellises. It also added native plants with signage and built a platform over a stream. The restored site now offers an accessible spot for relaxation and will host cultural events during the park's centennial. One volunteer said, "As someone over the age of 50, I believe the renovated Sunken Gardens... will be a calm, peaceful location for people of all ages to walk, sit and enjoy nature."
Project description was created using generative AI and then reviewed for accuracy.
South Milford, IN
AARP Community Challenge Grant Year: 2024
Project Category: Park enhancements
Description: Austin Park offered little for older adults, with no safe walking areas or seating. Volunteers cleared overgrown land and built a 1,000-foot ADA-compliant trail with a footbridge linking the park to town, plus five benches, two with wheelchair platforms. Evergreen trees were planted to restore privacy for nearby residents. The upgrades created a safe, accessible space for walking and resting, drawing families and older adults who previously avoided the park. A ribbon-cutting drew 50 attendees, half age 50-plus, and future plans include wildflower planting and creek stabilization. One resident note how the trail now offers a safe place to walk for himself and other residents.
Project description was created using generative AI and then reviewed for accuracy.
Parowan, UT
AARP Community Challenge Grant Year: 2024
Project Category: Park enhancements
Description: After older adults lost access to a popular recreation site, Parowan built four pickleball courts with fencing, shade structures and bleachers to create a safe, social space. A kickoff tournament during the Fall Festival drew dozens of players age 50-plus and volunteers, sparking new friendships and regular play. The courts now host growing community events, including beginner workshops and age-bracketed tournaments. As one participant said, "These are the best courts... I can do this well into my 70s and 80s."
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.
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 Mississippi State Office
141 Township Avenue
Suite 302
Ridgeland, MS 39157
United States