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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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Gregory, SD
AARP Community Challenge Grant Year: 2026
Project Category: Public space activation
Description: An empty lot will be transformed into a small public park featuring shade, seating, games and space for seasonal activities. The park will provide adults age 50-plus with a safe, comfortable place to gather, stay active and connect with neighbors.
Alamogordo, NM
AARP Community Challenge Grant Year: 2023
Project Category: Public space activation
Description: When a major streetscape project threatened to cut off downtown access, Alamogordo MainStreet turned an unsafe alley into a welcoming corridor. Uneven surfaces and poor lighting were replaced with raised garden beds, ADA-compliant benches and pergolas with lighting. Eight murals were created by local artists and volunteers. The alley now hosts classes, food trucks and photo opportunities, and will provide safe access during construction. "Transforming our once overlooked alley into a vibrant, art-filled space is a game-changer... creating a sense of place and fostering community pride," said a city commissioner.
Project description was created using generative AI and then reviewed for accuracy.
Evanston, WY
AARP Community Challenge Grant Year: 2024
Project Category: Public space activation
Description: Two historic public spaces in Evanston lacked features that encouraged active use, leaving older adults with few options for social engagement. To change that, the city installed three concrete game tables for ping pong, foosball and chess/checkers, with wheelchair-friendly seating and using donated equipment. Volunteers helped assemble the tables, creating vibrant spaces for low-impact physical and mental activity. The durable tables are expected to draw visitors for years. A project leader said, "The day after the game tables were out, we heard a good story about a community member's granddaughter playing foosball with her dad. She had the best time and couldn't wait to play again."
Project description was created using generative AI and then reviewed for accuracy.
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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