AARP Hearing Center
AARP Livable Communities Map
Seattle Metro Pickleball Association (2023) Print
2023 AARP Community Challenge Grantee
Project Category
Public places
└ Park enhancements
└ Park enhancements
Pickleball's surge in Seattle left many lined courts without nets, limiting access for older adults who relied on the sport for fitness and social connection. To address this, the association installed five semi-permanent nets at three sites, including lighted courts for evening play, and organized free clinics for beginners and women-only sessions. These efforts transformed neglected spaces into active hubs, prompting community funding to add more nets and complete two major centers. Today, residents enjoy year-round play and multigenerational gatherings. As one participant shared, "The laughter and smiles brought from engaging pickleball in safe communities was heartwarming."
Project description was created using generative AI and then reviewed for accuracy.
Project description was created using generative AI and then reviewed for accuracy.
Photo Gallery
Image:
Click on a photo to learn more
See More Projects Like This One
Leadville, CO
AARP Community Challenge Grant Year: 2019
Project Category: Park enhancements
Description: Many residents weren't aware of underused park in Leadville's downtown. To increase the park's visibility, the City revamped the space. They replaced eight benches and installed twinkle lights and a permanent fire pit made from a converted ore cart. Community members chipped in by creating mosaics on planters and painting a mural. The City held a well-attended kick-off party for the park, which featured fire pits and giveaways.
Stamps, AR
AARP Community Challenge Grant Year: 2020
Project Category: Park enhancements
Description: A lack of accessible restrooms made Maya Angelou Park unwelcoming to older adults, people with disabilities and families with young children. To address this, the City of Stamps made several accessibility upgrades, including installing concrete sidewalks, new doors, hardware and handrails. The park, named for the late author, poet, and activist who grew up in Stamps, is located along the banks of Lake June.
Asheville, NC
AARP Community Challenge Grant Year: 2019
Project Category: Park enhancements
Description: After Buncombe County Recreation Services installed new instruments in Charles D. Owen Park -- including lily pad cymbals, a tenor tree, tuned drums and flower gongs -- park attendance increased nearly 20 percent in one year. The instruments, created by the Freenotes Harmony Park company, don't include sharps or flats and are designed to be played using arm and hand muscles rather than fingers. That way, people of all musical abilities can play them without training. More than 400 people also participated in three workshops focused on designing artistic tiles for the new space with themes of compassion, peace and diversity. The creation of the Real Possibilities musical garden sparked new projects, including the park's first TRACK Trail (self-guided, family-friendly outdoor adventures with prizes), enhanced sports courts and bird nest boxes that allow researchers to study tree swallows.
Nearby AARP Community Challenge Projects
Seattle, WA
AARP Community Challenge Grant Year: 2024
Project Category: Digital navigation skills
Description: Latino workers in Seattle faced barriers to digital access, leaving older adults isolated and unable to manage daily tasks. Casa Latina distributed 36 hotspots and 20 laptops, offered 64 bilingual classes and over 50 one-on-one sessions to build confidence and skills. The program helped participants connect with loved ones, access telehealth and pursue education. One member used her new laptop to complete a business course and launch a catering business, showing how digital literacy can transform lives.
Memphis, TN
AARP Community Challenge Grant Year: 2025
Project Category: Walk Audits
Description: The project will feature three walk audits from community locations to Renaissance Pocket Park. It will involve a senior walking group, a senior center, volunteers, local government and law enforcement.
LEARN MORE AND STAY INFORMED
Find articles and resources about making communities more livable for people of all ages
Download or order free publications from AARP Livable Communities
Sign up for the free, weekly, award-winning AARP Livable Communities eNewsletter
Don't see your community listed?
LEARN HOW IT CAN JOIN THE NETWORKConnect with your AARP State Office
AARP has offices in all 50 states as well as in the District of Columbia, Puerto Rico and the U.S. Virgin Islands.
AARP Washington State Office
18000 International Boulevard
Suite 1020
SeaTac (Seattle), WA 98188
United States