Cave Junction, OR

AARP Community Challenge Grant Year: 2026

Project Category: Park enhancements

Description: Outdated pavilion lighting will be replaced with energy-efficient fixtures to better illuminate gathering areas, exits and walkways. Improved lighting will make events easier to host and support safer movement after dark.

Lawrence, NE

AARP Community Challenge Grant Year: 2021

Project Category: Park enhancements

Description: The local park in Lawrence lacked places for visitors to sit. To make the park more accessible for people of all ages and abilities, the Nuckolls County Federation and Lawrence Community Fund installed park benches and ADA-compliant picnic tables near the town's swimming pool and sports fields. The improvements built on work the partners already do to provide amenities for the village, including playground equipment and trash receptacles. Now that the park is more welcoming, community members are looking into other ways to improve the space, including replacing an outdated merry-go-round.

Fort Worth, TX

AARP Community Challenge Grant Year: 2022

Project Category: Park enhancements

Description: Older adults visiting Al Hayne Memorial Park often arrive on foot to view the park's collection of public art installations. But nearby sidewalks were challenging to navigate, particularly for people with mobility challenges, as growing tree roots and setting earth resulted in an uneven walking surface. To make the four-block walking route more accessible and welcoming, Lancaster District Historic hosted a series of community work days. Volunteers addressed trip hazards, removed dead trees and painted over graffiti-covered walls. Since the cleanup, residents have volunteered to keep the space clean by collecting litter.