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Parowan City Corporation (2024) Print
2024 AARP Community Challenge Grantee
Project Category
Public places
└ Park enhancements
└ Park enhancements
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.
Project description was created using generative AI and then reviewed for accuracy.
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Ephraim, UT
AARP Community Challenge Grant Year: 2021
Project Category: Park enhancements
Description: As part of community-wide efforts to improve parks and expand outdoor recreation opportunities, the City of Ephraim made improvements to an underused park. To create an accessible, inclusive space, the City purchased outdoor games for Pioneer Park. The games include concrete foosball and ping pong tables, a cornhole set and a ladder toss. Additionally, the City installed a table and seating in the space. Because the park is located in Ephraim's central business district, organizers hope the upgrades boost economic development in the area. Because many residents live below the poverty line, the improved park offers an important free recreation option. In the future, the City plans to construct accessible restroom facilities onsite.
Green River, UT
AARP Community Challenge Grant Year: 2023
Project Category: Park enhancements
Description: Green River lacked a quiet, accessible park for older adults, as existing spaces focused on sports. Pearl Baker Park was designed to fill that gap, offering shaded seating, soft-surface paths and educational signage. Epicenter hosted a kickoff event and bilingual arts workshop to activate the space, engaging volunteers to build features like birdhouses. Work began on a pavilion that frames scenic views and supports safe mobility for older adults. The project sparked community involvement and laid the groundwork for expansion into adjacent affordable housing, creating more opportunities to age in place. "I love visiting this park with my grandkids... there are plenty of places for me to sit and watch them," said one participant.
Project description was created using generative AI and then reviewed for accuracy.
La Union, NM
AARP Community Challenge Grant Year: 2024
Project Category: Park enhancements
Description: An abandoned baseball field turned walking trail lacked lighting, leaving older adults feeling unsafe after dark and limiting outdoor activity. Volunteers installed 12 solar lights along the trail and added desert landscaping with crushed rock, seating rocks and metal art near the community center. Outreach included flyers and social media to showcase improvements. Lighting now enables evening walks and community events, boosting safety and camaraderie. Residents expressed pride in the beautified space, and plans include murals and benches. One participant said, "Out here, lights are very essential because it is pitch black... We need to feel safe."
Project description was created using generative AI and then reviewed for accuracy.
Nearby AARP Community Challenge Projects
Cedar City, UT
AARP Community Challenge Grant Year: 2019
Project Category: Roadway/sidewalks/crosswalk improvement
Description: The Iron City Tourism Bureau hoped to improve walkability along three blocks of the Cedar City's University Boulevard. To do this, the organization created an artistic crosswalk at a busy intersection, which both beatified the crossing and made it more visible to drivers. The Bureau also commissioned a mural nearby to commemorate the city's connection to Utah's national parks. To encourage people to walk and gather, they installed benches along the boulevard. New signs directed pedestrians to nearby attractions and services. Following the improvements, the Bureau reported slower traffic speeds. More murals and crosswalk art are in the works and the Bureau is advocating for bike lanes in the neighborhood.
Cedar City, UT
AARP Community Challenge Grant Year: 2022
Project Category: Public or private transit access
Description: Downtown Cedar City lacked seating and bike facilities, limiting access and discouraging gathering. The project installed four benches, ADA-compliant picnic tables at the farmers market and bike racks in high-traffic areas. These improvements created comfortable resting spots and secure bike parking. More people have been drawn to events and businesses, and the upgrades have encouraged active transportation and strengthened the area's role as a cultural hub. Residents praised the improvements, noting the heavy-duty benches and tables make it easier to stay and enjoy entertainment.
Project description was created using generative AI and then reviewed for accuracy.
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