See More Projects Like This One

Newfolden, MN

AARP Community Challenge Grant Year: 2025

Project Category: Public space activation

Description: This project will create an outdoor gathering area at the Newfolden Community and Senior Center. The space will feature accessible seating, planting areas, and table-scapes to promote intergenerational gathering and inclusivity.

Imperial, NE

AARP Community Challenge Grant Year: 2021

Project Category: Public space activation

Description: A vacant lot in the heart of Imperial's downtown had been an eyesore for decades. To put the space to better use, the City of Imperial activated the space, creating a new pocket park. Volunteers helped create several murals onsite and installed a mosaic dragon sculpture, designed to double as a play structure for children. Using upcycled existing picnic tables and railroad ties, they also created a circular seating area, dubbed the chatroom. Local elementary school students and residents of an assisted living facility teamed up to paint tiles to decorate outdoor sectional couch. And volunteers laid down artificial turf -- a material chosen to make the mini-park easy to maintain. Raised flower beds completed the space. Since the mini-park's completion, organizers say community members continue to brainstorm ways to improve the pocket park, which they say has revitalized Imperial's arts scene.

Little Falls, NJ

AARP Community Challenge Grant Year: 2025

Project Category: Public space activation

Description: This project will create a vibrant outdoor gathering space at the Old Town Hall with age-friendly benches, flower gardens, shaded seating areas, and accessible walking paths.

Nearby AARP Community Challenge Projects

Kettering, OH

AARP Community Challenge Grant Year: 2025

Project Category: Bike Audits

Description: The project will conduct four bike audits, focusing on access for people age 50 or over to key destinations. Two community meetings will discuss the results with residents and city officials to guide future planning.

Dayton, OH

AARP Community Challenge Grant Year: 2020

Project Category: Park enhancements

Description: CityWide transformed a vacant lot into a new, more inviting entrance to Welcome Park in Dayton's Carillon neighborhood. The organization cleared overgrowth and dead trees from the site, replaced fencing and installed new informational signs. To give visitors a spot to rest, they placed benches along the park's walking path. CityWide also widened the entrance to conform to Americans with Disabilities Act accessibility standards. Throughout the project, CityWide gathered feedback and ideas from residents. A community-led branding effort informed the design of the park's new sign, as well as a dedication plaque honoring a local advocate. Project organizers say they hope this project serves as a model for meaningful community engagement as the community plans for future park improvements.

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