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Spearfish Trails Coalition (2025) Print
2025 AARP Community Challenge Grantee
Project Category
Public places
└ Park enhancements
└ Park enhancements
Many older adults living in east Spearfish wanted nearby places to walk or ride that felt manageable and safe, but existing trail options were often too far away or too challenging to reach from home. Spearfish Trails Coalition addressed this gap by building a new trail system that directly connects nearby neighborhoods to Lookout Mountain Park, creating beginner-friendly routes suitable for walking and cycling. The trails were designed to accommodate a wide range of abilities and brought residents together through volunteer trail days and a community ribbon-cutting event. Several older adults shared that the new routes prompted them to return to biking or walking after giving it up because other trails felt too difficult. By linking neighborhoods to open space, the project expanded everyday access to outdoor activity and established a lasting, close-to-home recreation option for older adults.
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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Project Category: Park enhancements
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AARP Community Challenge Grant Year: 2022
Project Category: Park enhancements
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Nearby AARP Community Challenge Projects
Spearfish, SD
AARP Community Challenge Grant Year: 2022
Project Category: Roadway/sidewalks/crosswalk improvement
Description: Busy street crossings and unclear signage along Spearfish's recreation path made navigation risky, especially for older adults and people with disabilities. The city addressed these issues by installing large directional signs, painting crosswalks, adding pedestrian alerts and building ADA-compliant ramps. Volunteers helped assemble signs, and a kiosk with a new map now guides users. These upgrades improved safety and accessibility, giving residents confidence to enjoy the path and inspiring additional investments to expand improvements.
Project description was created using generative AI and then reviewed for accuracy.
Edgemont, SD
AARP Community Challenge Grant Year: 2021
Project Category: Expansion and enhancement of transportation options
Description: For residents of Edgemont, the nearest health care providers are located at least 25 miles away. Furthermore, the small, rural town didn't have any public transit service. To help residents get around, the West River Transit Authority piloted a new transportation system. The Authority hired a part-time driver to provide on-demand rides three days a week. Geared toward residents who don't drive, the service also transports residents to pharmacies, grocery stores and other essential amenities. To help inform the community about the new service, the Authority advertised through mailings and local ads. Project organizers hope to continue to expand on-demand transportation offerings in the future.
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