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Three Bridges Neighborhood Association (2022) Print
2022 AARP Community Challenge Grantee
Project Category
Public places
└ Park enhancements
└ Park enhancements
Coral Gardens Park was underused and unsafe after dark, leaving older residents without a pleasant outdoor space for socializing. The association installed landscape lighting, planted ferns, built a Little Free Library and erected a new park sign. The park was renamed Lieber Park through a community vote and celebrated with a block party. The upgrades transformed the park into a welcoming space used more frequently, including at night. Residents praised the improvements, saying, "It's not a dark park anymore!" The project sparked plans for art installations and regular social events to keep the park active.
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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Spearfish, SD
AARP Community Challenge Grant Year: 2025
Project Category: Park enhancements
Description: 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.
Valley City, ND
AARP Community Challenge Grant Year: 2025
Project Category: Park enhancements
Description: This project at the Wood Landing on the Sheyenne River Water Trail will provide a picnic and fishing area with an accessible kayak/canoe launch.
Sidney, MT
AARP Community Challenge Grant Year: 2026
Project Category: Park enhancements
Description: ADA benches, picnic tables and sidewalk upgrades will be installed in Veterans Park downtown. These changes will give residents age 50-plus safe places to sit, gather and participate in family events.
Nearby AARP Community Challenge Projects
Fort Lauderdale, FL
AARP Community Challenge Grant Year: 2024
Project Category: HomeFit Modifications
Description: Unsafe homes left many older adults at risk of falls and fire hazards. The group upgraded 20 homes with grab bars, stair railings, smoke detectors and motion-sensor lighting, while also adding adaptive showerheads and replacing unsafe outlets. These changes improved safety and independence for residents. One recipient said that the grab bars installed after his stroke made him feel secure and mobile again. Another home received railings after a fall, preventing future accidents and ensuring peace of mind for the family.
Project description was created using generative AI and then reviewed for accuracy.
Fort Lauderdale, FL
AARP Community Challenge Grant Year: 2022
Project Category: Public space activation
Description: Victoria Park's historic shopping plaza lacked shaded outdoor spaces and struggled after the pandemic, limiting mobility and social engagement. The project installed a colorful shade structure called "Stitch" and hosted cultural events to draw residents and visitors. These gatherings boosted foot traffic, supported local businesses and connected social services with unhoused individuals. One outreach leader said the effort helped move people into housing and "created proactive programs to decrease incidents."
Project description was created using generative AI and then reviewed for accuracy.
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