Mount Airy, NC

AARP Community Challenge Grant Year: 2019

Project Category: Park enhancements

Description: Mount Airy Parks and Recreation installed decorative benches and bike racks, planted trees and improved signage along the Granite City Greenway to make the area more accessible and user-friendly for people of all ages. Already the most-used outdoor recreation facility in town, the visits to the Greenway increased more than 30 percent since the COVID-19 pandemic. Project organizers report that visitors use the benches and bike racks on a daily basis. They say exposure for this project helped secure local funding and made the greenway more visible tourists. Work is now underway to expand the Greenway by 1.3 miles.

Huachuca, AZ

AARP Community Challenge Grant Year: 2025

Project Category: Park enhancements

Description: This project will install outdoor fitness stations in two parks, offering free, low-impact exercise options for all ages, especially those age 50 and older. These stations will promote health, mobility, and community engagement.

Cimarron, KS

AARP Community Challenge Grant Year: 2025

Project Category: Park enhancements

Description: The project will add a pickleball court to Cimarron Crossing Park, along with a shaded area and benches. This will provide a new recreational activity for adults and create a space for socializing while watching others play.