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Arts Council of Greater Baton Rouge Inc. (2021) Print
2021 AARP Community Challenge Grantee
Project Category
Public places
└ Engaging residents in vibrant public places
└ Engaging residents in vibrant public places
The Arts Council of Greater Baton Rouge has been involved in community art and arts education for many years. The Council engaged professional writing instructors to hold two workshops for older adults in creative writing, poetry, self-publication and basic editing. They then invited participants to share their writing with the public at an open mic night. Project organizers also created a post-workshop online forum, allowing the cohort to continue writing together and receiving feedback on their work.
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Manning, IA
AARP Community Challenge Grant Year: 2021
Project Category: Engaging residents in vibrant public places
Description: Manning City Hall possesses a collection of important historical artifacts, but because of space constraints, most of them were kept in storage in the building's basement. To allow residents to see the items, the City of Manning installed eighteen glass display cases and placed them throughout the community, creating a reverse museum tour. They distributed brochures explaining how a reverse museum helps display artifacts without the cost of building a standalone facility. The leaflets also give information on the artifacts displayed, which range from small trinkets to World War II nurse's uniforms. Project organizers say the displays have inspired residents to explore their own basements and attics in search of more items to donate. The project also sparked the local library to open a designated room -- dubbed the vault -- to host larger exhibits.
Bozeman, MT
AARP Community Challenge Grant Year: 2026
Project Category: Engaging residents in vibrant public places
Description: A mobile “listening bench” will rotate among parks, libraries and gathering spots for older adults. Trained volunteers will host scheduled bench hours to offer conversation and companionship, with QR codes linking users to local resources, to help reduce social isolation among adults age 50 and older.
Brattleboro, VT
AARP Community Challenge Grant Year: 2023
Project Category: Engaging residents in vibrant public places
Description: After catastrophic flooding exposed gaps in river access and safety, Brattleboro residents-many age 50-plus-joined the Face the River initiative to shape a new riverside park and learn floodplain science. The project delivered bird walks, river ecology workshops and mindfulness sessions, along with tours of restoration sites that engaged over 100 participants. Their insights are guiding permanent projects with ADA trails and amenities, underscoring the need for trails near downtown. The effort sparked lasting momentum for inclusive recreation and resilience planning.
Project description was created using generative AI and then reviewed for accuracy.
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Baton Rouge, LA
AARP Community Challenge Grant Year: 2018
Project Category: Roadway/sidewalks/crosswalk improvement
Description: The Center for Planning Excellence set out to improve community health by promoting walking and biking in North Baton Rouge. Partnering with the local parks and recreation commission and utility departments, they improved lighting, directional signage and visibility in and around Longfellow Park. They also founded a walking club and staged a twilight walking event. Additionally, the Center launched a website with information about walking clubs, which also includes a tracking feature where residents can record their health status.
Baton Rouge, LA
AARP Community Challenge Grant Year: 2021
Project Category: Roadway/sidewalks/crosswalk improvement
Description: Bicycle and pedestrian activity increased dramatically in Baton Rouge's arts and entertainment district boomed during the height of the COVID-19 pandemic. To improve safety in the area, the Downtown Development District created 20 high-visibility crosswalks at five different intersections. The crosswalks help drivers notice people crossing the street, decreasing the likelihood of a collision. Additionally, the pavement art acts as a placemaking tool and creates a visual identity for district. It also connected the public to local historical structures, tourist attractions, art and cultural assets, governmental institutions and greenspaces.
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