Lake Placid, FL

AARP Community Challenge Grant Year: 2020

Project Category: Park enhancements

Description: This project installed a 10-station fitness trail exercise system in the MLK Sports Field in Highway Park -- the only such amenity in Highlands County. Meant to help residents improve their physical health through stretching, flexing and balancing, the trail also acts as a destination for residents and seasonal visitors to socialize. For years the Highway Park Preservation and Enhancement District requested amenities to enhance the park without much success. But securing funding for the fitness trail spurred the County to invest in Highland Park, including adding drinking fountains, repainting fencing, cleaning up graffiti and resurfacing the softball diamond. In addition, two successful crowdfunding campaigns allowed for installation of restrooms and a new sunshade for the park's playground.

Chappell, NE

AARP Community Challenge Grant Year: 2023

Project Category: Park enhancements

Description: This project will make improvements to the Chappell Lake recreation area, including upgrades to the parking lot, solar-powered lights for night fishing, repairs and renovations in the restrooms and new picnic tables.

Crossville, TN

AARP Community Challenge Grant Year: 2022

Project Category: Park enhancements

Description: This project transformed an Obed River Park shelter into an outdoor classroom. Among other uses, Cumberland County Soil Conservation District held classes there on plant and pollinator identification and monarch butterfly gardening.