AARP has awarded the City of Greenville a $10,000 grant through its 2018 Community Challenge Grant Program. In its second year, the Community Challenge Grant Program provides “quick action” grant funding to help communities make immediate improvements and jump-start long-term progress to support residents of all ages.
The City will use the grant to renovate Walker Park, a .25-acre open space located in the West Greenville community. AARP received nearly 1,600 applications from non-profit and governmental agencies across the country and will distribute a total of $1.3 million to fund 129 projects.
Today, Walker Park consists of a few benches and a single horseshoe pit; however, despite its small size and limited amenities, it is well-used by neighborhood seniors who regularly play horseshoes and hold horseshoe tournaments at the park. The City will use the AARP grant to refurbish the existing benches and horseshoe pit and add new amenities, including a shelter and an ADA accessible horseshoe pit. Additionally, the City’s Community Development Division will provide matching funds for two ADA accessible game tables and the City’s Public Works Department will install an ADA accessible entrance ramp into the park. The renovations are expected to be complete by November 2018.
“Partnering with AARP through its Community Challenge Program has given us a unique opportunity to support and promote healthy physical and social activity for our senior residents,” said Scott Drayton, the City’s assistant parks and grounds administrator. “Additionally, the grant will also enable us to amplify the use of Walker Park by adding new features for residents of all ages and abilities to use and enjoy for years to come.”
For more information, including a full list of grantees, visit www.aarp.org/communitychallenge.
Prepared by the City of Greenville.
Featured image: A City of Sumner zip line at a public park.