Fairfield, WA

AARP Community Challenge Grant Year: 2024

Project Category: Public space activation

Description: A split-level design left the church basement and kitchen off-limits to older adults and people with mobility challenges, limiting access to meals and classes. The church upgraded electrical systems, lighting and appliances, then hosted a Fiesta Gratitude Dinner for 89 residents, most age 50-plus. Volunteers led planning and preparation, sparking renewed engagement among older members. These improvements set the stage for more inclusive meals and cooking classes, reducing isolation and sharing skills like food preservation to strengthen community ties.

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

Sacramento, CA

AARP Community Challenge Grant Year: 2024

Project Category: Public space activation

Description: Florin Road faced neglect and isolation, leaving older adults without safe, welcoming spaces. The museum led a multigenerational placemaking effort, installing ADA-accessible benches and painting murals inspired by Ndebele patterns. Older adults and youth collaborated on art projects, including tree wraps and a vibrant ground mural. Volunteers transformed the light rail station area as well. The project sparked a five-year plan for continued installations and was adopted into Sacramento Regional Transit's Art in Transit program, ensuring cultural expression and community engagement endure.

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

Somerville, NJ

AARP Community Challenge Grant Year: 2018

Project Category: Public space activation

Description: This project paired local youth with graduate students to evaluate walkability and bikeability in Somerset. Youth ambassadors engaged with members of their community to identify barriers to walking and biking, as well as opportunities to make active transportation safer and more comfortable. Based on their findings, the students decided to construct a parklet in Somerville's Bound Brook neighborhood. The mini-park -- which sits in the footprint of a parking spot -- extends the sidewalk space into the roadway. The parklet is modular, allowing the student ambassadors to set it up at community events, including weekly farmers market and movie nights. Organizers hope the temporary space offers residents an attractive place to stop, sit and to rest while taking in activities on the street. Youth who participated in the project worked alongside local leaders and made intergenerational connections -- all while learning how to advocate for their community.