Ralston, NE

AARP Community Challenge Grant Year: 2026

Project Category: Public space activation

Description: Accessible terraces and new benches will be added near a busy intersection and Memorial Plaza. The seating areas will make it easier for people with mobility needs to attend events and gather comfortably while honoring service members.

Forest City, NC

AARP Community Challenge Grant Year: 2024

Project Category: Public space activation

Description: Older residents in Grahamtown lacked safe, comfortable outdoor spaces, making it hard to join events or enjoy gardens without worrying about fatigue or sun exposure. The team installed benches, picnic tables and planters at parks, gardens and community spaces. Volunteers also added address plates for safety. These changes gave older adults places to rest and socialize, strengthened community engagement and even prompted the addition of street lighting. Residents say the improvements make them feel valued and included in revitalization efforts.

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

Dennis, MA

AARP Community Challenge Grant Year: 2022

Project Category: Public space activation

Description: Dennis Center for Active Living added an accessible outdoor patio to address the lack of space for social activities, a need heightened by pandemic isolation. The project built a 20x20 concrete platform with a wheelchair-accessible ramp, installed benches and placed six raised garden beds. Volunteers helped assemble furniture and plant flowers. The patio now hosts picnics, gardening and intergenerational events. "The DCAL Garden Patio is icing on the cake," said the project director, noting it fulfills a long-held vision for an inviting, inclusive gathering place.

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