Grand Junction, CO

AARP Community Challenge Grant Year: 2020

Project Category: Park enhancements

Description: Grand Junction Parks and Recreation created a strength training circuit along a walking path in Sherwood Park. To achieve this, GJPR installed four pieces of equipment for working out leg, arm and core muscles, including a rowing machine, sit up and pull up station and leg press. The park once housed similar fitness equipment, but GJCR had to remove it in the mid-nineties due to rot. Today, many residents of the surrounding neighborhoods are 50 and older, and the new equipment gives them an option for a cardio workout and strength training. The fitness stations are available to the public seven days a week and those interested can register for free instruction on how to use them.

Belle Chasse, LA

AARP Community Challenge Grant Year: 2025

Project Category: Park enhancements

Description: The project addressed the lack of safe places for older adults to walk and gather by creating an accessible walking path and a regulation-size pickleball court. These additions gave residents simple ways to stay active and reduced the need to walk in roadways or rely on limited court hours. Within months, older adults used the new space daily, forming informal walking groups and weekly pickleball meetups. Many said the improvements helped them meet neighbors and exercise more often. The upgrades strengthened social ties, increased park use and established the site as a long-term hub for healthy aging, with plans to add more seating, outdoor fitness features and expanded programming.

Project description was created using generative AI and then reviewed for accuracy.

West Liberty, KY

AARP Community Challenge Grant Year: 2026

Project Category: Park enhancements

Description: The project will install outdoor pickleball courts and an improved walking path in a central community park. Nearby residents will have a safe place for low impact exercise, daily movement and informal social interaction.