See More Projects Like This One

Keokuk, IA

AARP Community Challenge Grant Year: 2018

Project Category: Park enhancements

Description: To improve community health concerns and opportunities for physical activity, Keokuk Parks Foundation converted a long-neglected set of tennis courts into six pickleball courts. In addition, they installed two benches onsite, along with a trash receptacle and signage. Today, the local library offers pickleball equipment on loan at its nearby site, while members of the local pickleball club conduct free lessons. The new courts have turned a neighborhood eyesore into a vibrant, attractive recreational outlet for residents. Pickleball -- a fast-paced game modeled on tennis and ping-pong -- is popular with older adults because it is low-impact and friendly on aging joints.

Dexter, ME

AARP Community Challenge Grant Year: 2020

Project Category: Park enhancements

Description: The Town of Dexter installed new benches on local streets and in parks to make them more accessible for older adults and those with mobility issues. Three parks -- Wayside, Ronco and Veterans Parks -- received the new benches. The Town also paved the entrance of Wayside Park, a popular gathering space for free weekly summer concerts. In addition, the Town offered Pop-Up Universities intended to provide residents with activities for learning, creativity and physical wellbeing, as well as social interaction. Topics include flower arranging, meditation and chair yoga.

Vergas, MN

AARP Community Challenge Grant Year: 2022

Project Category: Park enhancements

Description: This project turned three-quarters of an acre of city-owned land into a veterans memorial with full ADA compliance.

Nearby AARP Community Challenge Projects

Salisbury, NC

AARP Community Challenge Grant Year: 2024

Project Category: Bikeability

Description: The city will expand and improve bike parking at Rowan Helping Ministries, which feeds and shelters individuals experiencing homelessness. Existing bicycle racks are overflowing at the kitchen and main shelter currently there are none for residents in temporary housing.

Hickory, NC

AARP Community Challenge Grant Year: 2025

Project Category: Bike Audits

Description: This project will feature a bike audit workshop held during BikeWalk NC's 2025 Transportation Summit. Attendees will learn to identify safety improvements and routes for bicycling and other wheeled devices.

LEARN MORE AND STAY INFORMED

Find articles and resources about making communities more livable for people of all ages

people icon

Download or order free publications from AARP Livable Communities

download icon

Sign up for the free, weekly, award-winning AARP Livable Communities eNewsletter

mail icon

Don't see your community listed?

LEARN HOW IT CAN JOIN THE NETWORK

Connect with your AARP State Office

AARP has offices in all 50 states as well as in the District of Columbia, Puerto Rico and the U.S. Virgin Islands.

AARP North Carolina State Office

5511 Capital Center Drive
Suite 400
Raleigh, NC 27606
United States

Phone: 866-389-5650
Fax: 919-755-9684
Email: [email protected]