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Be the Change Project (2023) Print
2023 AARP Community Challenge Grantee
Project Category
Public places
└ Public art installations
└ Public art installations
A Reno neighborhood plagued by aging sidewalks and poor walkability needed a way to restore pride and connection. The project led six design workshops and volunteer days to prepare walls for three large murals co-created by residents and local artists. These vibrant installations transformed neglected spaces into community landmarks, strengthened social ties and spotlighted safety issues like missing sidewalks and crosswalks. The effort is expected to inspire future art projects and advocacy for street improvements, creating a more inviting and connected environment for older adults and neighbors alike.
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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North Hero, VT
AARP Community Challenge Grant Year: 2022
Project Category: Public art installations
Description: In a rural town where isolation is common among older adults, the library created an outdoor space to foster connection and creativity. It installed a circular word garden with etched stones and ADA-compliant benches, complemented by raised beds. A kickoff event drew residents to arrange words into poems and phrases. The garden is now a permanent feature that brings grandparents and grandchildren together. As one visitor said, "My niece didn't even want to come to the library, but after playing with the word garden, she doesn't want to leave."
Project description was created using generative AI and then reviewed for accuracy.
Mount Sterling, KY
AARP Community Challenge Grant Year: 2025
Project Category: Public art installations
Description: Gateway Regional Arts Center improved a busy trail where older adults needed accessible places to rest, socialize and engage with community history. The project installed four ADA-accessible picnic tables and three interactive interpretive signs, immediately adding comfort and opportunities to learn. Eighteen volunteers, including many age 50-plus, supported planning and installation, and a history board of older adults shaped the content. The upgrades are drawing thousands of passersby and festival-goers and have renewed momentum for future features. Older residents' stories informed the panels, strengthening ties between the trail and nearby services.
Project description was created using generative AI and then reviewed for accuracy.
Lakewood, CO
AARP Community Challenge Grant Year: 2020
Project Category: Public art installations
Description: The City of Lakewood turned to public art to reduce social isolation during the COVID-19 pandemic, as well as encourage residents to walk and bike. The City asked artists and entertainers to plan outdoor activities for children and residents of a senior living compound. Artists created an interactive fence art installation, as well as murals on the pavement along the ArtLine, a walking and biking route in Lakewood's arts district. Additionally, performers meandered along the Artline and interacted with community members during the Project Joy Bomb, a four-hour immersive art experience. More than 400 people lined the streets to engage and hundreds of others watched from vehicles or balconies and porches. The City also installed a Little Free Library along the route, which remains today, along with many of the art installations. In recent years, the ArtLine has continued to add works of art, including new murals.
Nearby AARP Community Challenge Projects
Reno, NV
AARP Community Challenge Grant Year: 2025
Project Category: Community Gardens
Description: The City of Reno transformed an underused area of Paradise Park into a community garden that addressed food access and social isolation among older adults. Many residents wanted affordable ways to grow fresh food and connect outdoors, but lacked spaces designed for regular participation. The project installed accessible raised beds and hosted gardening, nutrition and wellness activities throughout the season. Older adults played key roles in planting, harvesting and sharing produce, while volunteer days and intergenerational events kept the space active. Participants described the garden as a place to build routine and purpose. Partnerships formed through the project are supporting continued programming and long term use of the garden.
Project description was created using generative AI and then reviewed for accuracy.
Reno, NV
AARP Community Challenge Grant Year: 2025
Project Category: Bikeability
Description: Older adults and people with disabilities often lacked access to cycling options that support balance, comfort and independence. Standard bikes made it harder for residents with mobility challenges to stay active and enjoy outdoor spaces. The City of Reno expanded access through its Adaptive Cycling Center by adding a side-by-side adaptive bicycle and increasing program availability. The center gave older adults a consistent place to cycle using specialized equipment designed for different physical needs. Participation among residents age 50 or over increased during the project period. One participant said, "I cannot understate the convenience of being able to just show up and simply transferring to a bike and going for a ride." The project strengthened the center as a lasting resource for physical activity and independent mobility.
Project description was created using generative AI and then reviewed for accuracy.
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