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Missoula Parks and Recreation (2018) Print
2018 AARP Community Challenge Grantee
Project Category
Public places
└ Park enhancements
└ Park enhancements
To improve public health and increase residents' physical activity, the City of Missoula launched the Rx Trails program. Through the initiative, the local Parks and Recreation Department partners with local health care providers encourage patients to walk. The City worked to designate a path through McCormick Park as an Rx trail -- pathways featuring amenities including, drinking fountains, benches and accessible parking. They installed two benches and posted a map to help visitors navigate the trail. Additionally, they distributed promotional materials to residents to inform them about Rx Trails.
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Prineville, OR
AARP Community Challenge Grant Year: 2018
Project Category: Park enhancements
Description: When organizers with Crook County on the Move asked older adults what they would like to see in Ochoco Creek Park, they overwhelmingly asked for more places to sit along the park's 1.5-mile pathway. So to increase accessibility, the organization installed 12 park benches at 300 foot intervals along the walkway. Each bench has a 4-foot space surrounding it to accommodate wheelchair users and give people a space to park walkers and strollers. Organizers hope the benches inspire older adults and people with mobility challenges to visit the park and reap the benefits of outdoor exercise. Spurred by the success of this project, Crook County on the Move fundraised to install an additional 12 benches along the path. Organizers say they are now looking to install benches in other parks around Crook County.
Villisca, IA
AARP Community Challenge Grant Year: 2025
Project Category: Park enhancements
Description: This project will add 20 weatherproof display stands to a local walking trail, creating a StoryWalk with children's book pages and activity challenges. It aims to enhance physical fitness, literacy skills, and social interaction.
Hattiesburg, MS
AARP Community Challenge Grant Year: 2022
Project Category: Park enhancements
Description: Midtown's only public park had broken basketball hoops, little seating and no vibrant features, limiting recreation and social connection. The project transformed the space with new basketball hoops, a professionally painted court mural, two large-scale murals and four age-friendly benches along the walking track. Colorful crosswalk art improved safety and visual appeal. The park now serves as a lively gathering space for all ages. "Revitalizing and beautifying neighborhoods and parks is important work... These additions represent the power of community and working together," said a local representative.
Nearby AARP Community Challenge Projects
Missoula, MT
AARP Community Challenge Grant Year: 2020
Project Category: Roadway/sidewalks/crosswalk improvement
Description: Missoula's Transportation Planning hoped to improve safety at a busy intersection in the Riverfront neighborhood, while also giving people a space to gather. First, project organizers asked residents and local business owners for their ideas to improve the streetscape. Ahead of activating the intersection, the city's public works department made upgrades to pavement and water mains. Based on community feedback, Missoula Transportation Planning then created bulb-outs, which extend the curb into the intersection, giving pedestrians extra space, making them more visible to drivers and shortening the distance needed to cross the road. Curb ramps make the crosswalks accessible. To create a seating area, they also created two parklets -- mini-parks that fit in the footprint of on-street parking spaces. The parklets featured art, a space to park bikes and decorative foliage.
Missoula, MT
AARP Community Challenge Grant Year: 2024
Project Category: Walk Audits
Description: Missoula's farmers markets are vital for older adults using SNAP. Yet uneven brick streets, steep ramps and missing sidewalks make access difficult. To address this, the Coalition led walk audits at three markets, covering 2.1 miles and 23 intersections with more than 40 volunteers, including older adults. Audits revealed hazards like debris and poor crossings and tested a mock Neighborway with painted paths and planters to show safer routes. Findings prompted city leaders to integrate accessibility audits into future planning and advanced momentum for permanent improvements. Participants spoke highly of the Neighborway and felt safer having a dedicated space for non-motorized traffic.
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