Walcott, IA

AARP Community Challenge Grant Year: 2024

Project Category: Park enhancements

Description: The city will revitalize one tennis court with new asphalt and paint and convert a second court into pickleball courts. Pickleball offers beneficial exercise for older adults, since the sport is gentle on the joints.

Cutler Bay, FL

AARP Community Challenge Grant Year: 2017

Project Category: Park enhancements

Description: To encourage residents to exercise and socialize with one another, the Town of Cutler Bay added accessible exercise equipment - with a shade canopy to keep visitors cool -- to Cutler Ridge Park. Although Hurricane Irma damaged the park during installation, the new equipment now gives older adults the opportunity to improve their balance, strength, flexibility, range of motion and coordination. Project organizers say many older adults visit the park with their children and using the new fitness machines, which resemble playground equipment, can feel more like playing than exercising. Since the project's completion. the Town has installed similar fitness equipment at two other local parks.

Charleston, WV

AARP Community Challenge Grant Year: 2020

Project Category: Park enhancements

Description: This project upgraded Charleston's East End Dog Park to make it usable for pet owners of all ages. The City planted trees, installed shade structures and added seating. They also made repairs to the park's water source and planted grass. In addition, City workers fenced off a section of the dog park specifically for smaller dogs, keeping them separate from larger breeds that can intimidate them.