Foley, AL

AARP Community Challenge Grant Year: 2021

Project Category: Park enhancements

Description: Organizers thought Foley Park -- a small green space next to a middle school -- had untapped potential. Foley Main Street and the City of Foley transformed the park into a local music destination. Redubbing the space Freenotes Harmony Park, Foley Main Street installed a collection of outdoor musical instruments, including contrabass chimes, an orange swirl, a yellow imbraimba and rainbow drums. The instruments are designed to be easy to play -- similar to a xylophone, the imbarimba has 22 fiberglass keys of varying lengths, which sit atop metal chimes. Visitors can play the instrument by striking the keys with the attached mallets. The instruments weren't the only upgrade to the pocket park. The City also assed an amphitheater with lights, power outlets and an ADA-compliant stage. Since their installation, the instruments have created an outdoor classroom for middle school students on weekdays, as well as a gathering place for residents of all ages on evenings and weekends.

Gautier, MS

AARP Community Challenge Grant Year: 2024

Project Category: Park enhancements

Description: After years without fitness equipment, the college upgraded its walking track to address limited options for affordable exercise and provide new means for improving health. New outdoor stations, including accessible machines for people with disabilities, were installed without disrupting daily use. A ribbon cutting and workshops introduced the equipment, and a fitness challenge honored veterans while collecting supplies. The stations now offer free, inclusive exercise and social connection. One participant said that she fell in love with the new fitness station and plans to work out there more often.

Project description was created using generative AI and then reviewed for accuracy.

Graettinger, IA

AARP Community Challenge Grant Year: 2023

Project Category: Park enhancements

Description: Graettinger lacked safe, low-impact fitness options for older adults in its rural community. To address this, the city installed two pickleball courts with fencing, nets and benches, and added a paved sidewalk linking the courts to the playground and walking trail. Volunteers cleared the site, and older adults began hosting daily meetups to teach pickleball. These improvements created a social hub and accessible exercise space, helping residents stay active and connected with family and neighbors for years to come.

Project description was created using generative AI and then reviewed for accuracy.