AARP Hearing Center
AARP Livable Communities Map
Blue Hills Neighborhood Assoc. (2020) Print
2020 AARP Community Challenge Grantee
Project Category
Public places
└ Public safety interventions
└ Public safety interventions
As part of community placemaking efforts, the Blue Hills Neighborhood Association installed solar pathway lights to Blue Hills-Kissick Park. The pocket park -- created by activating a vacant lot -- is a new addition to midtown Kansas City. Intended to increase safety, the lights allow residents to visit the park after dark. Organizers say the new green space serves as a pilot project, demonstrating how repurposing vacant lots can beautify a neighborhood, cut down on illegal dumping and reduce crime. The Association reports the project also helped them educate residents about the benefits of solar lighting, which include reduced electric bills.
Photo Gallery
Image:
Click on a photo to learn more
See More Projects Like This One
South Royalton, VT
AARP Community Challenge Grant Year: 2022
Project Category: Public safety interventions
Description: A crumbling railroad underpass was the only legal pedestrian route between two sides of South Royalton, but its dark, unsafe condition discouraged use. The project transformed the space with a colorful art installation, LED lighting and safety mirrors, making the passage safer and more inviting. Community events celebrated the change, which sparked interest in revitalizing other neglected areas. "Seeing the installation lit up in the evening has been a true joy," said a town administrator, reflecting the pride and optimism the project inspired.
Nearby AARP Community Challenge Projects
Kansas City, MO
AARP Community Challenge Grant Year: 2021
Project Category: Park enhancements
Description: Major Murray Davis Park in Kansas City's Midtown neighborhood needed a functional and aesthetic makeover. To improve the pocket park, Midtown KC Now removed old landscaping and planted fruit trees and native plants. They also added a walkway, concrete planters, game tables and a portable kiosk to display information. The pocket park is now an attractive space for people of all ages and provides fruit for members of the community. In the future, Midtown KC hoped to turn a nearby parking lot into more park space for residents to enjoy.
Kansas City, MO
AARP Community Challenge Grant Year: 2020
Project Category: Trails
Description: The WeAreMarlborough project installed 16 bike racks and two benches along the Greealk, a new two-mile walking path that winds through Marlborough. The pathway connects residents to three new city parks, as well as rapid transit lines. To meet residents' needs during the COVID-19 pandemic, the Marlborough Community Coalition also erected temporary two Little Free Food Panty locations along the Greealk, one in a local community garden and the other in a pocket park. In addition, the organization hosted activities, including safe biking workshops, a community Halloween celebration. Project organizers say neighbors requested improved greenspace for years -- new amenities along the Greealk represent steps toward a more healthy, active community.
LEARN MORE AND STAY INFORMED
Find articles and resources about making communities more livable for people of all ages
Download or order free publications from AARP Livable Communities
Sign up for the free, weekly, award-winning AARP Livable Communities eNewsletter
Don't see your community listed?
LEARN HOW IT CAN JOIN THE NETWORKConnect with your AARP State Office
AARP has offices in all 50 states as well as in the District of Columbia, Puerto Rico and the U.S. Virgin Islands.
AARP Missouri State Office
9200 Ward Parkway
Suite 350
Kansas City, MO 64114
United States