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Better Block Hawaii (2021) Print
2021 AARP Community Challenge Grantee
Project Category
Public places
└ Public space activation
└ Public space activation
While Hawaii is known for beaches and lush mountains, many urban areas lack accessible green space. To give residents outdoor space, Better Block Hawaii planned, designed and installed two parklets in Honolulu's Kalihi neighborhood. Working with the City of Honolulu to identify areas of need, they installed the first parklet at Richie's Drive Inn, transforming a parking area into a mini park with tables, benches, planters and a mural. Parklets help local businesses extend their storefronts onto the sidewalk and boost revenue by creating cozy, inviting gathering places.
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Baltimore, MD
AARP Community Challenge Grant Year: 2020
Project Category: Public space activation
Description: This project helped prepare the ground for Rachael Wilson Memorial Park, named in honor of Maryland's first woman firefighter to be killed in the line of duty. To clear room for park amenities, Bon Secours Community Works removed two sections of concrete foundation, left over from the foundations of abandoned homes that once sat on the site. Project organizers also planted 30 trees. The new greenspace is the result of a grassroots effort by two longtime West Baltimore residents and advocates. Today, the park features new playground equipment and a mural painted by a local artist, which pays tribute to Rachael Wilson.
Readfield, ME
AARP Community Challenge Grant Year: 2021
Project Category: Public space activation
Description: Organizers with Age-Friendly Readfield knew their town was in need of a facelift. To help meet the needs of residents facing food insecurity, they provided a local food bank with a sandwich sign board, rolling delivery cart and new cooler. They also upgraded the town library's outdoor space by adding Adirondack chairs and tables. Finally, they provided chairs and a kayak dock for Readfield's beach. A multigenerational group of volunteers cleaned up both the library park and beach. Organizers say these same volunteers will now be involved in programming at both outdoor spaces.
Salem, OR
AARP Community Challenge Grant Year: 2022
Project Category: Public space activation
Description: This project turned an unused outdoor area between two historical glass greenhouses into an accessible space for educational programs on sustainability, multigenerational gardening and social engagement.
Nearby AARP Community Challenge Projects
Honolulu, HI
AARP Community Challenge Grant Year: 2021
Project Category: Innovative home maintenance, repair and support services
Description: Oahu is home to many older adults hoping to age in place. However, aging homes can make this difficult. Working with Palolo Chinese Home, Age-Friendly Honolulu created the Safe Homes 4 Kapuna program, which provides aging-in-place education, as well as home assessments and modifications, to older adults in the Palolo Valley neighborhood. The program produced print and electronic versions of a booklet, called Hale4Kapuna. The publication includes tips about renters' rights, permitting processes, funding sources and types of home modifications beneficial for older adults, as well as information on home assessments and basic handyman work. The group also provided home assessments to six older adults residing in the Palolo Valley.
Honolulu, HI
AARP Community Challenge Grant Year: 2018
Project Category: Micromobility enhancements/management
Description: When Bikeshare Hawaii launched its Biki bikeshare program, it found that older adults were not using the resource at the same rate as younger people. In response, it invited Hawaiians age 50 and older to sign up for Biki Social Rides. The rides, held in partnership with Blue Zones Hawaii and the Hawaii Bicycling League, included a tutorial on how to use the Biki app to find stations. Instructors also showed riders how to dock and undock the service's turquoise bicycles. Additionally, Bikeshare Hawaii provided each participant with a helmet and a trial Biki membership.
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