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City of Boston (2019) Print
2019 AARP Community Challenge Grantee
Project Category
Public places
└ Public space activation
└ Public space activation
To encourage walking, Boston installed benches in Main Street neighborhood districts across the city. Older adults tested and approved the benches and worked with the City to identify the best locations for them. The initiative's guiding principle was that making walking safe and comfortable for older adults creates a better environment for people of all ages. Project organizers report residents were eager to use the new benches. In fact, as Department of Public Works staff were finishing up an installation, a few people were often waiting to take a seat. The benches contribute to vibrant public spaces near businesses and merchants say they appreciate the increased foot traffic. Project organizers say the installations helped develop a city-wide framework for a sustainable bench program, addressing installation and long-term maintenance.
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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.
Woodburn, OR
AARP Community Challenge Grant Year: 2022
Project Category: Public space activation
Description: Senior Estates Park lacked amenities for social gatherings and recreation, limiting opportunities for older adults to connect. The city added a fenced off-leash dog park and a 20-by-30 picnic shelter with ADA-accessible tables, trash receptacles and a drinking fountain with a dog bowl. These upgrades created a dry, covered space for family events and a safe area for dogs to play. The improvements are increasing park use, providing older adults with a convenient venue for social interaction and make the park a year-round destination for community celebrations.
Ossipee, NH
AARP Community Challenge Grant Year: 2022
Project Category: Public space activation
Description: The park lacked shade and shelter, leaving older adults and families exposed to sun and rain. Volunteers built a 12-by-16-foot pavilion and added an ADA-compliant picnic table and benches, contributing more than 500 hours to the effort. The pavilion now serves as a safe, year-round gathering spot for meetings and celebrations. One resident stated that now "we see people using the park almost every hour of the day. "
Nearby AARP Community Challenge Projects
Natick, MA
AARP Community Challenge Grant Year: 2017
Project Category: Trails
Description: This community engagement initiative sought to identify solutions to allow older adults and people with mobility issues to use off-road trails in Natick. Project organizers met with town staff ahead of two focus groups with older adults, who shared their experiences with local trails. Additionally, the Metropolitan Area Planning Council created an online survey to collect more feedback. Older adults said their main concerns were access to bathrooms, personal safety, clear signage, availability of parking near trailheads, even walking surfaces and benches to sit on. MAPC then held a placemaking event at the Natick Community-Senior Center. Attendees could walk along a prototype trail with photos of planned upgrades and hear from MAPC staff. Participants also had a chance to share their personal stories about the things they've discovered while hiking. The result was a list of practical, low-cost action items the town can use to improve Natick's pathways.
Mattapan, MA
AARP Community Challenge Grant Year: 2022
Project Category: Community Gardens
Description: Older adults and residents with mobility challenges faced hazards and limited access at two Boston community gardens. A collapsed walkway created unsafe conditions, and deteriorated raised beds prevented those with physical limitations from gardening. The Trustees repaired the walkway by filling a sinkhole and installing a wide, level brick path at Southwest Corridor Community Farm. At Savin & Maywood Community Garden, they demolished broken beds and built four new handicapped-accessible raised beds with help from volunteers. Residents expressed gratitude, noting the upgrades made the gardens welcoming for "gardeners of all ages and abilities."
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