AARP Community Challenge Grant Helps Finalize Mantua Park Project

Mantua, Utah — Tucked into the scenic corner of this small town, Maple Springs Park might look like your typical neighborhood green space at first glance. But take a few steps beyond the playground and pavilion, and you’ll discover a vibrant, evolving hub of recreation, nature, and community spirit.

Thanks to a recent AARP Community Challenge Grant, the town was able to put a few finishing touches on the park—bringing to life a vision that began nearly a decade ago.

The AARP Community Challenge Grants help fund innovative, quick-action projects that spark change and build momentum for improved public places, community engagement, housing options and transport services. The grant is aimed at helping towns, cities, and neighborhoods become more livable for people of all ages, backgrounds, and abilities.

“With the money we received from the AARP Community Challenge Grant we were able to buy the picnic tables and seating around the park,” said Keith Johnson, Maple Springs Park Development Leader. “We were also able install the landscaping barrier and mulch, plus ensure all the walkways and entry to the pavilion are ADA-compliant.”

From Vision to Reality

“Maple Springs Park is really a community labor of love,” said Karen Nelson, Mantua Town Council member and longtime advocate for the park.

Planning for the park began in 2017, when Nelson, George Wouden, and Eric Ellis partnered with Utah State University to design an all-season park. By 2020, development was underway and over the next five years, the town secured seven grants totaling $600,000, along with $250,000 in community donations.

The park’s transformation wouldn’t be possible without the dedication of Mantua’s residents. Over 5,000 volunteer hours have been logged by neighbors sharing tools, skills, and sweat equity to build something lasting. Volunteers have helped with everything from planting trees and installing fences to building kiosks and clearing rocks from the tubing hill.

All-Season Park

The result? A stunning four-season park where some features transform with the seasons. For example, the basketball court turns into an ice-skating rink in the winter, and the slip-and-slide hill/amphitheater area turns into a sledding hill!

Maple Springs Park is more than just a place to play—it’s a symbol of what a small town can achieve when it works together. Whether you're sledding in winter, biking in summer, or enjoying a concert under the stars, the park offers something for everyone.