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Athens Main Street (2023) Print
2023 AARP Community Challenge Grantee
Project Category
Public places
└ Public space activation
└ Public space activation
The project addressed long-standing accessibility issues at the farmers market, where older adults often struggled with heavy tables and low seating that made it difficult to rest or enjoy live music and social time. Age-friendly furnishings, including higher-seated chairs and a wheelchair-accessible table, created a gathering area that welcomed patrons who previously avoided the space. The improvements allowed more people to stay longer, enjoy food and music and reconnect with friends without physical strain. As one visitor said, "I love these walk-in tables... I can actually get in and out of them so easy," while another noted how much easier it was to rise from the taller chairs.
Project description was created using generative AI and then reviewed for accuracy.
Project description was created using generative AI and then reviewed for accuracy.
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Chicago, IL
AARP Community Challenge Grant Year: 2019
Project Category: Public space activation
Description: Public plazas are not always grand sometimes they can make a big impact in a tiny space. The Rogers Park Business Alliance and other project organizers purchased a pop-up People Spot from the nearby Chicago neighborhood of Andersonville. The Alliance then deployed the People Spot on Clark Street, with the aim of amping up pedestrian engagement along Rogers Parks' commercial corridor. Also known as a parklet, the mini plaza extends from the sidewalk in what would otherwise be a parking space. Featuring new wood benches and greenery, the parklet offers visitors a pleasant spot to rest or eat lunch. In the future, the Alliance will move the pop-up plaza to different locations throughout the Rogers Park neighborhood.
Belchertown, MA
AARP Community Challenge Grant Year: 2024
Project Category: Public space activation
Description: A revitalized walkway near the Senior Center lacked seating, discouraging older adults and those with cognitive impairments from taking longer walks. To address this, six sturdy benches were installed along Carriage Drive, secured on concrete slabs and surrounded by grass. Outreach included a ribbon-cutting event that drew residents age 50-plus. The benches now offer safe resting spots, encouraging more time outdoors and improving well-being. Plans for additional benches are underway. One participant said she was proud to live in a town that invests in projects showing care for older adults.
Project description was created using generative AI and then reviewed for accuracy.
Bath, ME
AARP Community Challenge Grant Year: 2021
Project Category: Public space activation
Description: Organizers with Age-Friendly Communities of Lower Kennebec and City of Bath hoped to create inclusive public spaces for residents of all ages to enjoy. They worked with students to install outdoor chess and checkers tables at a new downtown plaza and a near a local assisted living facility. The tables are ADA accessible include benches designed for people of all ages and abilities. A spectator bench allows onlookers to take a seat and watch the players. To ensure all community members can play, game sets are available for loan at the local library and nearby businesses.
Nearby AARP Community Challenge Projects
Madison, AL
AARP Community Challenge Grant Year: 2026
Project Category: Pedestrian Safety
Description: Madison will replace 77 damaged sidewalk warning mats at busy street crossings. New stable surfaces will reduce tripping hazards and help people using mobility aids cross streets safely.
Moulton, AL
AARP Community Challenge Grant Year: 2020
Project Category: Public space activation
Description: To revitalize Moulton's downtown area, Moulton Lions Club created parklets, a mural and temporary, artistic crosswalks. The mural is located along Bylar Road -- the area's oldest public road -- and showcases the route's history. To Project organizers also outfitted several parklets with movable benches, chairs and umbrellas to increase foot traffic and provide rest and shade during events, including the annual Strawberry Festival. In addition, the Lions Club created artistic crosswalks with sidewalk chalk. Each had a local theme, from educating locals about endangered salamanders to paying homage to local resident Jesse Owen, who competed at the 1936 Olympics. Lions Club organizers says they hope the project will spur residents to consider how art can make public spaces more appealing.
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