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AARP Livable Communities Map
Nuckolls County Foundation with Lawrence Community Fund (2021) Print
2021 AARP Community Challenge Grantee
Project Category
Public places
└ Park enhancements
└ Park enhancements
The local park in Lawrence lacked places for visitors to sit. To make the park more accessible for people of all ages and abilities, the Nuckolls County Federation and Lawrence Community Fund installed park benches and ADA-compliant picnic tables near the town's swimming pool and sports fields. The improvements built on work the partners already do to provide amenities for the village, including playground equipment and trash receptacles. Now that the park is more welcoming, community members are looking into other ways to improve the space, including replacing an outdated merry-go-round.
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Statesville, NC
AARP Community Challenge Grant Year: 2018
Project Category: Park enhancements
Description: When Iredell County received a donation of an eight-acre parcel of land, they saw an opportunity to provide physical fitness options in a neighborhood that lacked recreational amenities. As part of efforts to create East Iredell Lions Club Community Park, this project created a half-mile walking path onsite. Organizers hope to extend the trail in the future. Additionally, the path represents the first step toward constructing a new community center, which will address health disparities by giving residents access to exercise equipment.
Bronx, NY
AARP Community Challenge Grant Year: 2020
Project Category: Park enhancements
Description: To highlight the importance of green spaces, Friends of Mosholu Parkland cleaned up a neglected area of the parkland. The area lies along the Mosholu Parkway, a landscaped highway connecting two parks. During the COVID-19 pandemic, the gardens became a respite for community looking for a safe, outdoor gathering space. Volunteers expanded an azalea garden and revived the Jerome Garden Plaza. In addition, the organization worked with a local artist to design and install banners celebrating the Parkland. The banners played off the metaphor of an aquarium, which represented residents confined within their apartments during the COVID-19 pandemic, separated from the parkland below like fish behind a glass barrier. Project organizers say these initial improvements have since attracted additional investment in the Mosholu Parkland.
Fort Worth, TX
AARP Community Challenge Grant Year: 2022
Project Category: Park enhancements
Description: This project eliminated tripping hazards in Al Hayne Memorial Park downtown, making it safer for visitors.
Nearby AARP Community Challenge Projects
Hastings, NE
AARP Community Challenge Grant Year: 2019
Project Category: Trails
Description: To facilitate outdoor physical activity for its residents, the City of Hastings installed four Rest/Rehydrate/Repair stations along the Pioneer Spirit Trail. Each station features a bench, accessible water fountain and pet dish, as well as a concrete pad where bikes can safety pull off the trail. They included shade trees and other landscaping at each location. In addition, two of the stations feature bicycle repair stands with air pumps and other tools. Since their installation, the 3R stations have welcomed thousands of visitors. As part of plans to expand the Pioneer Spirit Trail, the City plans to construct more 3R stations.
Hebron, NE
AARP Community Challenge Grant Year: 2020
Project Category: Trails
Description: The walking trail along the Little Blue River on Hebron's south side is an important pedestrian artery, connecting an area hospital and wellness center with camping, outdoor sports and fitness facilities. To improve public safety and expand the hours when residents can use the path, Hebron installed solar-powered lights. The Thayer County Walking Coalition, a local advocacy group, has worked to convince local officials to improve the trail and promote its use. With their input, the City has increased the length of local trails by about two miles in recent years. Going forward, the coalition and City hope to install lighting along additional trail segments.
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