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Yuma Crossing National Heritage Area (2022) Print
2022 AARP Community Challenge Grantee
Project Category
Public places
└ Park enhancements
└ Park enhancements
Part of larger efforts to foster ecotourism and give residents a free, outdoor public gathering space, this project created seating for a new nature park in Yuma's wetlands. Sunset View Nature Park sits along the waterfront and connects to five miles of biking and walking trails. Volunteers constructed ADA-accessible picnic tables, metal and concrete benches and bike racks for the site. Organizers say older adults are frequent visitors to Yuma's wetland area, which offers bird watching and other recreation opportunities. Since adding the amenities, Yuma Crossing National Heritage Area has continued work on the nature park, extending trails and constructing a scenic overlook.
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See More Projects Like This One
Windham, CT
AARP Community Challenge Grant Year: 2023
Project Category: Park enhancements
Description: The project aimed to transform a neglected downtown park into a welcoming space for social connection. Grant funds provided four ADA-compliant tables and benches, giving residents a place to gather and linger. The new seating quickly became popular, inspiring momentum for a full redesign. A landscape architect is now developing plans for a vibrant community hub, and residents are already using the space for picnics and informal gatherings instead of just passing through.
Yankton, SD
AARP Community Challenge Grant Year: 2020
Project Category: Park enhancements
Description: To invite young children and their caregivers to explore Westside Park, the City of Yankton Department of Parks and Recreation created its Born Learning Trail. The City installed a concrete trail in the park and installed signs in English and Spanish along the path. Each sign features activities meant to build language and thinking skills fundamental to child development. To give families a place to rest, project organizers installed picnic tables and benches. The City also commissioned seven local artists to decorate the trail's pavement with artwork related to the activities.
Lillian, AL
AARP Community Challenge Grant Year: 2025
Project Category: Park enhancements
Description: This project will transform an unused porch into a welcoming social space with seating, game tables, and a grill. It will offer classes, games, yoga, and volunteer opportunities, helping older adults connect and reduce isolation.
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Aguila, AZ
AARP Community Challenge Grant Year: 2021
Project Category: Public space activation
Description: The Aguila Community Center in rural Aguila is a community hub for residents of all ages, despite its aging infrastructure, leaky roof and signs of wear and tear. To make the facility useable during the monsoon season, leaders at the center fixed the concrete floor with laminate plank flooring and weatherized the roof to make the facility fully functional. Since the improvements, the Aguila Community Center has hosted COVID-19 vaccine clinics, fitness classes, quincenearas and other community celebrations and events during all months of the year.
Camp Verde, AZ
AARP Community Challenge Grant Year: 2022
Project Category: Park enhancements
Description: The Town of Camp Verde's Parks & Recreation Division thought the community's outdoor pool had potential as an event and education space. To achieve their vision, volunteers laid concrete pavers, installed shade structures and added picnic tables. They also constructed a new fence to the patio. The improvements allowed the Town to increase recreational programming onsite, including exercise classes and a summer camp. Additionally, families can lease the space for parties and other gatherings.
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