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Nichols Park Advisory Council (2023) Print
2023 AARP Community Challenge Grantee
Project Category
Public places
└ Park enhancements
└ Park enhancements
This project will install a comfortable and attractive circular tree bench in a park where residents can sit while they wait for the bus.
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Blue Rapids, KS
AARP Community Challenge Grant Year: 2022
Project Category: Park enhancements
Description: This project transformed a basketball court in City Park into two pickleball courts. The fast-paced, low-impact game is a cross between tennis and ping-pong and is popular among older adults. To attract more people to the sport, Blue Rapids Community Action Team also hosted an event teaching residents about how to play pickleball, as well as the game's health and social benefits.
Hillsboro, ND
AARP Community Challenge Grant Year: 2018
Project Category: Park enhancements
Description: Hillsboro is a small town without a school or senior center. Because of this, Buxton City Park features the community's only playground area. To make the playground more welcoming to people of all ages and abilities, the Buxton Park Board installed updated playground equipment and laid down soft landing material. Project organizers say the improvements have made the park an important intergenerational gathering space. The playground and park shelter are now the site of book club and Scouts meetings, celebrations and other community events.
Huron, SD
AARP Community Challenge Grant Year: 2021
Project Category: Park enhancements
Description: Several years ago, the Huron Housing Authority transformed a vacant city lot into a new dog park, giving residents a much-needed outdoor gathering space. However, when work completed on Cook Park, project organizers realized park visitors had no place to escape the sun's hot rays. To provide shade and improve the park's appearance, the Authority planted nine trees onsite. The park also received a new water fountain, pet waste receptacles and a bulletin board, thanks to donations from local nonprofits. Project organizers say they hope the improved park will spark other investment in the diverse neighborhood.
Nearby AARP Community Challenge Projects
Chicago, IL
AARP Community Challenge Grant Year: 2024
Project Category: Walk Audits
Description: This project will conduct walk audits to identify potential visibility, sidewalk and crosswalk improvements. The organization will recruit older volunteers to participate and meet with residents, business owners and local officials to discuss their findings.
Chicago, IL
AARP Community Challenge Grant Year: 2018
Project Category: Public space activation
Description: To promote walkability, economic development and better quality of life for residents, the Chicago Department of Transportation created a replicable prototype for a People Spot. Consisting of a wooden platform, the People Spots transform on-street parking spaces into outdoor patios. To help neighborhood groups set up their own People Spots, the City published construction plans and an assembly manual for the parklets online. Part of the City's Livable Streets Program, organizers say the temporary infrastructure helps neighborhoods overcome economic hardship by encouraging residents to walk and frequent local businesses. The City installed its first People Spot in the South Side Chatham neighborhood in 2018. That iteration measured about six feet wide by 20 feet long, but the platforms can be as long as 80 feet.
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