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Athens Downtown Development Authority (2021) Print
2021 AARP Community Challenge Grantee
Project Category
Public places
└ Engaging residents in vibrant public places
└ Engaging residents in vibrant public places
Athens has a rich African American history that spans many generations, yet has lacked an appropriate venue to share its stories. The Downtown Athens Development Authority created a permanent exhibit at the Ware-Lydon House Museum about people enslaved in the region, which also featured stories about their descendants. The exhibit was developed alongside the museum's new, 40-volume African American heritage library and community conversation area, which includes tables and chairs where visitors can gather. Additionally, the Authority developed the first section of an African American Heritage Pathway walking tour, which travels between the museum and the home of one of the first vaudeville theaters in the U.S. built, owned, and operated by a Black entrepreneur.
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See More Projects Like This One
ME
AARP Community Challenge Grant Year: 2022
Project Category: Engaging residents in vibrant public places
Description: Older adults in Central Maine face barriers to aging in place, from transportation to food insecurity, often hidden from public view. The project staged interactive performances based on real scenarios, inviting audiences to question actors and suggest solutions. Ideas like volunteer driver programs emerged, and feedback was shared with partners and media. "I learned how important community support is to the 50-plus community," one participant said, noting the emotional impact of seeing these struggles portrayed. Plans include training older adults to lead future performances, extending the dialogue.
Project description was created using generative AI and then reviewed for accuracy.
West Baton Rouge, LA
AARP Community Challenge Grant Year: 2021
Project Category: Engaging residents in vibrant public places
Description: 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.
Honolulu, HI
AARP Community Challenge Grant Year: 2018
Project Category: Engaging residents in vibrant public places
Description: Honolulu's urban core has three shoreline parks -- all located near each other. But the parks were not connected, and all were underused. The Trust of Public land launched its A Lei of Parks effort, a one-day pop-up event to connect the shoreline. The event allowed residents to walk and bike between Ala Moana Regional Park, Kewalo Basin Park and Kaka'ako Waterfront Park. Volunteers used chalk, banners and signage to denote a temporary pathway. They hosted a walking event and set up kiosks to give passersby information about the effort. During the demonstration, participants could take a survey about a possible permanent parks connection. Organizers say the pop-up raised awareness of the value of parks, leading to the Parks for People renovation project.
Nearby AARP Community Challenge Projects
Athens, GA
AARP Community Challenge Grant Year: 2023
Project Category: Engaging people in transportation options/safety
Description: Dangerous corridors like Baxter Street put older adults and other vulnerable road users at risk, yet traditional crash screenings rarely include local insight. Georgia Bikes piloted a new approach combining data analysis with community input, hosting public sessions and a safety workshop at a nearby center. The project produced an Enhanced Crash Screening Toolkit and a report of community-backed solutions shared with the state transportation department. These efforts aim to prompt safer infrastructure statewide and equip residents with practical strategies to navigate high-risk areas.
Project description was created using generative AI and then reviewed for accuracy.
Nicholson, GA
AARP Community Challenge Grant Year: 2025
Project Category: Digital Connections Other
Description: Photos and stories honoring local veterans were at risk of fading from public view, leaving families and community members unaware of a shared history that holds deep meaning for many older adults. The library addressed this by digitizing the Veterans Wall of Honor and creating a permanent digital display that is easy to access and expand. Residents were encouraged to contribute photos and information, growing the collection and bringing new visibility to the Wall. When the updated display was unveiled during a community Veterans Day program, attendees reacted emotionally as they saw their own images or those of deceased loved ones recognized. The digital format now protects these stories from deterioration and allows the Wall to continue growing, ensuring that veterans service and sacrifice remain visible to future generations.
Project description was created using generative AI and then reviewed for accuracy.
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