Newton, KS

AARP Community Challenge Grant Year: 2022

Project Category: Park enhancements

Description: Newton lacked safe green space near its industrial corridor, limiting recreation and nature access for older adults and nearby residents. The alliance converted an unused parcel into a wetland park with walkways, benches, educational signage and birding-by-ear features for visitors with low vision. Volunteers age 50-plus helped collect native seeds, and solar lighting improved safety. The park now offers legal access to a popular birding site and is expected to serve as an outdoor classroom. "Time spent in nature has been shown to reduce incidents of chronic disease... as well as improving mental health," said a local health leader.

Project description was created using generative AI and then reviewed for accuracy.

Epworth, IA

AARP Community Challenge Grant Year: 2023

Project Category: Park enhancements

Description: Tower Park lacked a dedicated space to honor veterans and connect residents, and steep terrain limited access for older adults. The Legion installed a six-foot granite monument, two flagpoles and landscaping. It was unveiled during a Memorial Day ceremony that drew many community members. The project improved accessibility with terraced seating and ADA-compliant paths and inspired plans for benches and a statue. The Mayor called the effort "a collaboration of many groups and a perfect example of serving and using our gifts to honor the memory of those who fought for us and our freedom."

Project description was created using generative AI and then reviewed for accuracy.

Fort Scott, KS

AARP Community Challenge Grant Year: 2025

Project Category: Park enhancements

Description: This project will add three new Kansas Unsung Hero panels to the Unsung Heroes Park. These panels will include QR codes for language translation.