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Village of Amesville (2021) Print
2021 AARP Community Challenge Grantee
Project Category
Public places
└ Park enhancements
└ Park enhancements
Since Amesville earned its designation as a Bee City USA, the village has worked to sustain pollinators. To provide pollinating birds and insects with a habitat rich in native plants and free from insecticides, the Village created a pollinator garden. The effort activated an underused meadow in Gifford Park. Volunteers used a natural herbicide to clear out unwanted grass, then spread compost and seeded the half-acre site with wildflowers. They also constructed birdboxes and installed seating and signage. Since completing the project, the Village has hosted mini-festivals onsite, which feature walking tours of the garden.
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See More Projects Like This One
Berlin, WI
AARP Community Challenge Grant Year: 2019
Project Category: Park enhancements
Description: The City of Berlin has eight parks, but only two were well visited. Berlin's Parks and Recreation Department hoped to draw residents to check out the lesser-known locations. To do this, the department held a bench-painting contest. Local Boy Scouts and high school students built six wooden benches and Parks and Recreation Department recruited local artists to paint them. After the benches were completed, the Parks Department placed one in each park. The department then got residents involved, challenging them to hunt for each bench's location and vote on the designs they liked best. After the scavenger hunt, the benches went up for auction. The hunt got residents explore local parks, including ones they might not have previously visited. Inspired by the success of this project, the Parks Department plans to replicate the competition in the future.
Hillsboro, ND
AARP Community Challenge Grant Year: 2018
Project Category: Park enhancements
Description: Hillsboro is a small town without a school or senior center. Because of this, Buxton City Park features the community's only playground area. To make the playground more welcoming to people of all ages and abilities, the Buxton Park Board installed updated playground equipment and laid down soft landing material. Project organizers say the improvements have made the park an important intergenerational gathering space. The playground and park shelter are now the site of book club and Scouts meetings, celebrations and other community events.
Blue Rapids, KS
AARP Community Challenge Grant Year: 2022
Project Category: Park enhancements
Description: To provide affordable recreation for older adults, the project converted a basketball court into a pickleball court and added a bench. Free equipment is available for checkout, and a demonstration day introduced the game to residents. The court now offers a year-round fitness option that encourages health and social connection. "The group that gathered to watch the demonstration was excited about the possibility of playing," said one organizer, noting plans for indoor play during winter.
Project description was created using generative AI and then reviewed for accuracy.
Nearby AARP Community Challenge Projects
Athens, OH
AARP Community Challenge Grant Year: 2025
Project Category: Walk Audits
Description: Older adults in several Athens County communities faced uneven walking conditions that limited safe, comfortable trips to parks, trails and services. United Seniors led walk audits across intersections, paths and trails, documenting curb ramps, signal timing, surfaces, seating and lighting. The findings will guide local officials and Age Friendly work, supporting targeted upgrades that reduce fall risks and expand everyday walking options for older adults.
Project description was created using generative AI and then reviewed for accuracy.
Parkersburg, WV
AARP Community Challenge Grant Year: 2021
Project Category: Public art installations
Description: Downtown PKP wanted to build on its efforts to bring public art to Parkersburg. Over the years, the nonprofit created selfie stations and displayed welcome banners in the central business district. This project added a 40-foot mural. Downtown PKB held community listening sessions, where they asked residents what they love most about their town, as well as about their hopes for the future. Using the responses, a team of artists developed a design depicting a collage of smiling faces, local landmarks and butterflies. During four public paint parties, 300 volunteers worked to install the mural on the side of the Parkersburg Art Center. Project organizers say the collaborative effort culminated in public art that beautified Parkersburg's downtown.
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