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2022 AARP Community Challenge Grantee
Project Category
Public places
└ Public space activation
└ Public space activation
Older residents in Bunkie lacked walkable routes and green spaces, limiting opportunities for social connection and physical activity. The project introduced a historic walking tour with a wayfinding sign, pamphlets and a dedicated bench along the route. The tour promotes activity and community ties while building support for Complete Streets improvements. "I rarely came out and walk anymore but I'm excited to take the self-guided walking tour with my grandchildren now," said one participant.
Project description was created using generative AI and then reviewed for accuracy.
Project description was created using generative AI and then reviewed for accuracy.
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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.
Cromwell, CT
AARP Community Challenge Grant Year: 2025
Project Category: Public space activation
Description: Cromwell Creative District focused on two public spaces that residents used often but struggled to navigate. Uneven surfaces and aging infrastructure at Valour Green and the Pierson Park Rose Garden made it harder for older adults and people with mobility challenges to sit, walk and spend time in places meant for gathering and reflection. The project rebuilt these spaces with practical access improvements, including benches set on solid pavers and smoother paths that connect to sidewalks. At the Rose Garden, outdated features were removed and the layout reworked so people using wheelchairs or walking aids could move safely. Veterans called to share appreciation for safer seating at Valour Green, and residents described returning to the Rose Garden for regular walks. By restoring access to spaces not updated for decades, the project made everyday park use more comfortable and set a foundation for continued care and planting by volunteers.
Project description was created using generative AI and then reviewed for accuracy.
Columbia, SC
AARP Community Challenge Grant Year: 2026
Project Category: Public space activation
Description: A community garden featuring lighting, shaded seating and raised beds will be established to support caregivers and adults age 50-plus. The space will promote low‑impact physical activity, stress reduction and social connection.
Nearby AARP Community Challenge Projects
Baton Rouge, LA
AARP Community Challenge Grant Year: 2023
Project Category: Transportation Systems Change
Description: Baton Rouge's fragmented transit system left riders and operators without reliable service, forcing older adults and low-income residents to endure long waits and limited access to jobs and resources. The project organized community meetings to unite riders and operators, began developing a regional dashboard for transparency, and launched a video chronicling a day on local transit. Strong turnout and commitments from transit agencies marked a major step toward collaboration, laying the groundwork for a master plan and long-term improvements in service.
Project description was created using generative AI and then reviewed for accuracy.
West Baton Rouge, LA
AARP Community Challenge Grant Year: 2021
Project Category: Engaging residents in vibrant public places
Description: The Arts Council of Greater Baton Rouge has been involved in community art and arts education for many years. The Council engaged professional writing instructors to hold two workshops for older adults in creative writing, poetry, self-publication and basic editing. They then invited participants to share their writing with the public at an open mic night. Project organizers also created a post-workshop online forum, allowing the cohort to continue writing together and receiving feedback on their work.
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