See More Projects Like This One

Mount Airy, NC

AARP Community Challenge Grant Year: 2024

Project Category: Public space activation

Description: Market Street lacked accessible seating and amenities, limiting its appeal for older adults and reducing opportunities for social interaction. The city installed picnic tables, two fully accessible benches, bike racks, recycling containers and decorative lighting to create a welcoming plaza. These upgrades encourage outdoor dining, leisure and mobility for people of all ages. Residents and business owners praised the changes for making the area more inviting. The city plans to promote the space for festivals and events, ensuring continued use and intergenerational appeal.

Macon, MS

AARP Community Challenge Grant Year: 2022

Project Category: Public space activation

Description: Older adults in Macon lacked a central space for civic engagement. To combat this, the historical society repurposed its Welcome Center into a community hub. The project added kitchen appliances and A/V equipment and hosted events like community town halls, workshops and holiday programs. Volunteers supported activities and outreach, helping attract hundreds of residents. As one board member shared, "AARP enabled the Society to broaden its perspective; welcome our entire community; and reach higher in its goals." The center now anchors inclusive gatherings and economic development efforts.

South Boston, VA

AARP Community Challenge Grant Year: 2024

Project Category: Public space activation

Description: A neglected alley linking Main Street to the farmers market posed safety risks and lacked seating, limiting access for older adults. The project transformed it into a welcoming connector by grading the surface, adding ADA-compliant benches and constructing a ramp and steps for accessibility. Local artisans fabricated custom metal benches, and lighting and art installations are planned to enhance the space. The improved alley now offers a safe, social area for gatherings and easier market access. Older adults expressed excitement about having a place to sit and participate in activities, calling it "a great addition to downtown".

Nearby AARP Community Challenge Projects

Appleton, WI

AARP Community Challenge Grant Year: 2021

Project Category: Public space activation

Description: To give residents more spaces to gather and socialize, Creative Downtown Appleton created a parklet. Volunteers repurposed two on-street parking spaces to create the mini-park, which they outfitted with seating, tables and LED lighting. To make the space accessible to wheelchair users and parents with strollers, organizers installed a ramp. Additionally, they installed bike racks nearby. Visitors to the parklet are welcome to pick herbs for free, which Creative Downtown Appleton planted onsite. Project organizers say the space supports nearby businesses -- the parklet offers people an outdoor seating option so they can enjoy coffee or meals purchased locally.

Appleton, WI

AARP Community Challenge Grant Year: 2025

Project Category: Disaster Preparedness

Description: The project will provide emergency preparedness guidance from the City of Appleton Fire Department and Emergency Management to two assisted living facilities.

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AARP Wisconsin State Office

222 W Washington Avenue
Suite 600
Madison, WI 53703
United States

Phone: 866-448-3611
Fax: 608-251-7612
Email: [email protected]