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City of Carlisle (2017) Print
2017 AARP Community Challenge Grantee
Project Category
Public places
└ Public space activation
└ Public space activation
This project set out to enhance the City of Carlisle's walking trails and downtown area. To achieve this, the City installed benches, planters, bicycle racks and banner-sign mounts. Those improvements helped Carlisle contribute to its goal of becoming a more walkable city with an attractive, functional downtown.
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See More Projects Like This One
Central Falls, RI
AARP Community Challenge Grant Year: 2021
Project Category: Public space activation
Description: Progreso Latino hoped to make better use of its limited outdoor space, expand its program offerings and help combat social isolation among older adults. The organization -- which serves Latino/a elders -- built a community pavilion in the heart of Central Falls to serve as a safe, outdoor gathering space. Organizers outfitted the space with tables and chairs and installed bollards to protect it from vehicle traffic. The pavilion's significance as a community space increased when Central Falls' only other senior center closed. Today the space hosts Zumba classes, walking groups, performances and vaccine clinics.
Bunkie, LA
AARP Community Challenge Grant Year: 2022
Project Category: Public space activation
Description: 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.
Jackson, WY
AARP Community Challenge Grant Year: 2020
Project Category: Public space activation
Description: As part of efforts to activate a new green space in downtown Jackson, the Jackson Hole Land Trust commissioned local artists to design benches for the space. All three benches meet ADA accessibility standards, with designs that encourage visitors to sit, touch and climb. Project organizers installed the seating ahead of a grand opening celebration for the Greenspace on the Block, a conservation easement that features walking trails and provides an outdoor venue for community activities.
Nearby AARP Community Challenge Projects
Des Moines, IA
AARP Community Challenge Grant Year: 2023
Project Category: Accessibility of amenities
Description: Older adults at South Side Library faced barriers to technology and browsing due to vision and mobility issues, limiting access to resources. The library installed large-print keyboards on all public computers and added magnification tools throughout collections. It also provided mobility aids like a wheelchair, walker and cane. These changes eased stress and encouraged independence. Patrons now browse DVDs and use computers with confidence. One visitor said after borrowing a rollator, "I'll be visiting the library way more often now."
Project description was created using generative AI and then reviewed for accuracy.
Des Moines, IA
AARP Community Challenge Grant Year: 2019
Project Category: Capturing data and feedback from residents
Description: The Iowa League of Cities Organizers partnered the City of Marshalltown and Iowa State University Extension and Outreach to hold educational workshops on data analytics. Workshop leaders taught community members how to use publicly-available government data to asses issues important to older adults, including safety, walkability, accessibility, public finance and housing. Using feedback gathered from the community as an information source, the League of Cities demonstrated how to map local mobility features. The City has used learnings from the project to inform decisions about public transportation routes and accessibility improvements. Organizers hope the workshops provide a model for other localities looking to engage the community through open data.
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