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Veterans Memorial Park (2022) Print
2022 AARP Community Challenge Grantee
Project Category
Public places
└ Park enhancements
└ Park enhancements
Residents lacked a local space to honor veterans, forcing older adults to travel long distances to visit memorials. The project created a Veterans Memorial Park with two concrete circles featuring flagpoles, granite benches and engraved pillars listing veterans' names. Landscaping, an archway entrance and patriotic rock art by students added to the park's appeal. The park now serves as a permanent, ADA-compliant space, for remembrance and community events. Former critics became supporters, with many local veterans now memorialized on benches and pillars.
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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Pine Ridge, SD
AARP Community Challenge Grant Year: 2019
Project Category: Park enhancements
Description: The Thunder Valley Community Development Corporation created an accessible, multigenerational playground at its Regenerative Community Development. Ahead of construction the organization held engagement sessions to get input from community members. Organizers wanted to ensure the playground's design was rooted in the Lakota way of life and elements of the site symbolize different teachings and traditions. For example, the facility's shape emulates the He Sapa, of Black Hills -- the heart at the center of everything. Play structures at the site represent elements of the Lakota creation story. With its grand funding, the Corporation installed a sidewalk and benches, including a semicircular bench to serve as a storytelling area. The Thunder Valley Community Development Corporation works to improve the lives of residents of the Pine Ridge Reservation, with its Regenerative Community Development focusing on providing culturally appropriate physical spaces for liberation and healing.
Lake City, CO
AARP Community Challenge Grant Year: 2019
Project Category: Park enhancements
Description: Lake City DIRT and town officials built a wood-framed pavilion in a park to house cultural, educational, recreational and community events. Construction finished in time for the pavilion to serve as an outdoor dining area during COVID-19 shutdowns in 2020. Since installation, project organizers have seen a 60 percent uptick in visitors in the area.
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.
Nearby AARP Community Challenge Projects
Hankinson, ND
AARP Community Challenge Grant Year: 2026
Project Category: HomeFit Modifications
Description: Rural training sessions will teach families how to make their homes safer and more comfortable. Participants will receive safety items and information about additional services.
Alexandria, MN
AARP Community Challenge Grant Year: 2023
Project Category: Micromobility enhancements/management
Description: Older adults and people with limited mobility in Alexandria faced isolation and few chances to enjoy nature. The group purchased two trishaw bikes, trained volunteers and partnered with care facilities to offer free rides on scenic trails. More than 375 riders, most age 50-plus, experienced outings that sparked joy and connection. The program strengthened intergenerational bonds and promoted volunteerism while giving older adults a safe, uplifting way to engage with their community.
Project description was created using generative AI and then reviewed for accuracy.
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