AARP Hearing Center
AARP Livable Communities Map
Borough of Closter (2022) Print
2022 AARP Community Challenge Grantee
Project Category
Public places
└ Public space activation
└ Public space activation
A barren alley in the downtown district left older adults without a safe, comfortable spot to rest while shopping or socializing. The borough converted the space into a pocket park with benches, plantings and solar lighting, creating a pleasant passageway between parking and local businesses. The park now hosts pop-up art events and serves as a meeting point for residents. "This charming pocket park provides respite for seniors and passersby to socialize, bringing the community together," said a local council member.
Project description was created using generative AI and then reviewed for accuracy.
Project description was created using generative AI and then reviewed for accuracy.
Photo Gallery
Image:
Click on a photo to learn more
See More Projects Like This One
Chillicothe, OH
AARP Community Challenge Grant Year: 2026
Project Category: Public space activation
Description: The organization will replace worn pavement and install new handrails at an outdoor amphitheater. These upgrades will reduce fall risks and help older adults move safely and confidently during performances.
Lynchburg, VA
AARP Community Challenge Grant Year: 2021
Project Category: Public space activation
Description: To organizers with the Downtown Lynchburg Association, an underused, dead-end street had potential to draw visitors downtown. The Association transformed the space into Art Alley -- a vibrant, outdoor art gallery. To activate the space, volunteers covered the pavement in turquoise, orange, pink and green paint. They also set up string lights overhead to provide illumination. Finally, they created the Spark Joy Gallery by installing panels that display digital artworks. Project organizers say the placemaking effort has since inspired nearby property owners to spruce up their building facades, and the Art Alley has become a must-see for tourists passing through town.
Lynchburg, VA
AARP Community Challenge Grant Year: 2026
Project Category: Public space activation
Description: The Senior Center will improve its community garden by adding paths, tools and accessible features. These updates will help participants reach all garden beds, stay active through planting and spend more time gardening together.
Nearby AARP Community Challenge Projects
Tenafly, NJ
AARP Community Challenge Grant Year: 2026
Project Category: Digital navigation skills
Description: Free bilingual digital literacy classes will help immigrant adults age 50-plus learn basic technology skills. Training will focus on online safety, communication, telehealth and everyday digital tools.
Westwood, NJ
AARP Community Challenge Grant Year: 2019
Project Category: Public space activation
Description: To provide a safe and enjoyable gathering space, the Borough of Westwood created a parklet. Meant to sit in the footprint of a parking space, the parklet was designed to give people of all ages, ethnicities and socio-economic backgrounds a place to sit and relax in Westwood's central business district.
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 New Jersey State Office
303 George Street
Suite 505
New Brunswick, NJ 08901
United States