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Carrot Ridge Volunteer Fire District (2018) Print
2018 AARP Community Challenge Grantee
Project Category
Public places
└ Public space activation
└ Public space activation
To create a gathering place for their rural community and provide opportunities for social connection, the Carrot Ridge Volunteer Fire District equipped its red-sided, barn-like building with tables, chairs and small appliances. They then hosted a dinner to thank the many volunteers who donated time, land, building supplies and more to build the center during its construction. Since then, the center has hosted chili cook-offs, a community Thanksgiving event and barbeques for hundreds of residents.
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Orleans Parish, LA
AARP Community Challenge Grant Year: 2020
Project Category: Public space activation
Description: This project set out to improve New Orleans' St. Roch neighborhood by replacing an underused area with green spacce. Organizers hoped to provide a spot for people of all ages to socialize outdoors and care for a green space. In addition to giving the community a safe place to gather, the space is meant to give residents access to fruit and nut trees.
Sheridan, WY
AARP Community Challenge Grant Year: 2022
Project Category: Public space activation
Description: Several years ago, the Powder River Basin Resource Council created a food forest -- a space that gives the community access to fresh produce, including fruit, berries and vegetables. However, the space lacked accessibility features, making it difficult for older adults and people with mobility challenges to visit. To make the food forest more inviting, the council asked a local craftsman to design benches, which give people a place to pause and relax as they walk through the gardens. They also installed solar lighting, which allows visitors to use the forest after dark. Plans to expand the food forest are now underway. The council is working with an elder from the Northern Cheyenne community to create a Native food garden onsite.
Hinton, WV
AARP Community Challenge Grant Year: 2017
Project Category: Public space activation
Description: Hinton's historic district was created in the 1980s, but public interest for the district had waned over the years. To foster community pride and educate residents, the local Historic Landmarks Commission purchased and installed plaques on significant buildings in Hinton's historic district. The plaques provide information about the significance of each location. To further draw people in, the commission established a walking tour, which it promoted online and by printing and distributing brochures. Because tourism is an important local economic driver, so the commission has coordinated with the local visitors center to promote the tour.
Nearby AARP Community Challenge Projects
Orofino, ID
AARP Community Challenge Grant Year: 2023
Project Category: Public space activation
Description: Residents in Orofino lacked places to rest along a hilly one-mile loop connecting a long-term care facility, hospital and parks. This made walks difficult for older adults and those without cars. The city installed eight ADA-compliant benches at key spots near the river, high school and skate park. Volunteers age 50-plus helped with site prep and placement decisions. The benches quickly became gathering points for relaxation and conversation.
Project description was created using generative AI and then reviewed for accuracy.
Lapwai, ID
AARP Community Challenge Grant Year: 2023
Project Category: Public spaces improvements to increase high-speed internet availability
Description: Residents in Lapwai lacked accessible spaces for technology use and health resources, forcing older adults to travel long distances for care and leaving few options for social connection. The library responded by installing a covered bus stop and ADA-compliant outdoor seating with 24/7 Wi-Fi. It also upgraded indoor areas with adaptive furniture and charging stations. A telehealth pod with health monitoring tools and digital signage was added to improve access. These changes sparked new programs like adult craft nights and created inclusive spaces for learning, care and community engagement.
Project description was created using generative AI and then reviewed for accuracy.
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