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Kansas City, MO

AARP Community Challenge Grant Year: 2021

Project Category: Park enhancements

Description: Major Murray Davis Park in Kansas City's Midtown neighborhood needed a functional and aesthetic makeover. To improve the pocket park, Midtown KC Now removed old landscaping and planted fruit trees and native plants. They also added a walkway, concrete planters, game tables and a portable kiosk to display information. The pocket park is now an attractive space for people of all ages and provides fruit for members of the community. In the future, Midtown KC hoped to turn a nearby parking lot into more park space for residents to enjoy.

Cleveland, OH

AARP Community Challenge Grant Year: 2018

Project Category: Park enhancements

Description: Pickleball -- a game that's a combination of tennis and ping pong -- has exploded in popularity. Because of its relatively small court, the sport involves less running, making it gentler on knees and joints than tennis, so it's particularly appealing to older adults. To accommodate demand for playing space, the City of Findlay converted unused, dilapidated tennis courts in Riverside Park into eight new pickleball courts. Bleacher seating onsite enables the new courts to host leagues and tournaments. Project organizers also installed a bulletin board for sharing information, as well as a wind screen to shield players. Since construction completed, City staff report the courts are full nearly every morning.

Cut Bank, MT

AARP Community Challenge Grant Year: 2022

Project Category: Park enhancements

Description: To draw visitors to an underused dog park, this project added a walking path to the space. Additionally, the City installed ADA-compliant benches and two shade structures to give people an accessible place to sit and rest.

Nearby AARP Community Challenge Projects

Vermillion, SD

AARP Community Challenge Grant Year: 2018

Project Category: Park enhancements

Description: The game of horseshoes is popular with many residents in Vermillion. But the city's horseshoe court needed upgrades to make it accessible to people of all ages and abilities. To fix this, the City renovated the four-pit horseshoe court in Prentis Park. They upgraded the pits' clay surface, added an ADA-compliant sidewalk and purchased pit covers to keep the courts clear of weeds and debris. In the future, the City plans to add seating to accommodate spectators and allow player to rest between rounds. Since the renovations, the courts have drawn residents of all ages. City staff plan for the site to host horseshoe leagues, tournaments and other events.

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