Buffalo, NY

AARP Community Challenge Grant Year: 2020

Project Category: Public space activation

Description: Preservation Buffalo Niagara wanted to improve the pedestrian experience in Buffalo's Grant Street commercial corridor, which has suffered from disinvestment. With the goal of beautifying the neighborhood, the organization installed trash receptacles on light poles and hung string lights in front of local businesses. The community has a proud history of diversity, including 20 years of welcoming resettled refugees. To celebrate the community's diversity, PBC installed multilingual wayfinding sign and distributed flags representing business owners' countries of origin. To ensure upkeep, they also provided tools to help volunteers maintain the sidewalks and support a community gardener.

Amherst, MA

AARP Community Challenge Grant Year: 2025

Project Category: Public space activation

Description: This project will add seating, lighting, and greenery to create a safer, more accessible, and inviting plaza. This revitalized area near senior housing and a community center will foster social connections for older adults.

Rolling Fork, MS

AARP Community Challenge Grant Year: 2025

Project Category: Public space activation

Description: In Rolling Fork, residents had few safe places downtown to walk or linger, a challenge made more acute after a tornado left the area struggling to recover. For older adults, limited walkable space meant fewer chances to stay active and connect with neighbors during a period marked by stress and isolation. Lower Delta Partnership responded by creating a walking path around the downtown square, using bright painted designs and public art to improve visibility and draw people in. ADA-compliant benches and trash receptacles were placed along the route, allowing walkers to rest comfortably and return more often. Volunteers helped bring the space to life and launched the path with a community event that encouraged use. The route is now part of daily routines for older adults and other residents, and it has become a visible sign of hope downtown. A local gym owner said the length and bench spacing made it easier for older adults to walk multiple laps without feeling intimidated.

Project description was created using generative AI and then reviewed for accuracy.