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Preston County Parks and Recreation Commission (2019) Print
2019 AARP Community Challenge Grantee
Project Category
Public places
└ Park enhancements
└ Park enhancements
Although this project originally set out to expand social activities at Decker's Creek Park, the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic forced organizers to pivot. Instead, the Preston County Parks and Recreation Commission made improvements to the park's green space to increase walkability and accessibility for park visitors. They added an accessible picnic table, raised garden beds, trash cans, an information kiosk and a wooden sign for the park. They also planted the garden beds with pollinator-friendly perennials, with plans to invite the local Master Gardeners to use the plots in the future. In addition, the Parks and Recreation Commission painted and replaced boards on the park's pedestrian bridge. Since these upgrades, the Commission reports more visitors to the park, as well as an uptick in youth volunteer service. Recent projects include a new picnic table, outdoor classroom, little free library and bench.
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Haymarket, VA
AARP Community Challenge Grant Year: 2025
Project Category: Park enhancements
Description: A degraded stretch of trail at Leopold's Preserve lacked habitat value and offered no accessible seating, making it difficult for older adults and visitors with mobility challenges to rest while enjoying the area. The White House Farm Foundation restored the space by planting 83 native trees and shrubs with the help of volunteers and installing two recycled benches that provide scenic resting spots. As the plantings mature, the trail will attract more birds and wildlife, creating a more enjoyable experience for visitors. Volunteers, including older adults who supported the project, expressed enthusiasm about continuing restoration work, strengthening long-term stewardship at the Preserve.
Project description was created using generative AI and then reviewed for accuracy.
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.
Pensacola, FL
AARP Community Challenge Grant Year: 2019
Project Category: Park enhancements
Description: Keep Pensacola Beautiful's mission is to beautify public parks in low-income neighborhoods. The nonprofit launched its Harmony Park program in Englewood Park with the installation of three interactive musical instruments -- two types of xylophones and a colorful drum set. This created an unusual, educational opportunity for play for children at the neighboring Boys and Girls Club, who benefit from music lessons at the site. KPB's executive director Sigrid Solgard stressed that no musical experience was necessary to play the instruments. "The notes are supposed to sound good together in any combination," she said.
Nearby AARP Community Challenge Projects
Reedsville, WV
AARP Community Challenge Grant Year: 2024
Project Category: Park enhancements
Description: The town park lacked drinking water, forcing older adults and rail-trail users to bring their own or leave. The grant funded an ADA-compliant fountain with a bottle filler and pet station, installed on a new concrete pad near restrooms. A ribbon-cutting event celebrated the upgrade, which now offers a reliable water source for walkers, bikers and families. Two older cyclists rode 16 miles to the ceremony and filled their bottles at the new station, underscoring its value for active residents and making the park more welcoming for all.
Project description was created using generative AI and then reviewed for accuracy.
Arthurdale, WV
AARP Community Challenge Grant Year: 2024
Project Category: Public space activation
Description: On Arthurdale's historic 23-acre campus, uneven sidewalks and a lack of outdoor amenities made visits difficult for older adults and others seeking safe, accessible spaces. The project replaced a hazardous 75-foot sidewalk and added benches, trash bins, a dog waste station and a bike rack. New landscaping to beautify the grounds was also created. These improvements have made the site safer and more inviting, encouraging residents to use it for recreation and events. Community feedback has been overwhelmingly positive, and plans are underway for expanded sidewalks and new programs for older adults.
Project description was created using generative AI and then reviewed for accuracy.
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