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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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Roswell, NM
AARP Community Challenge Grant Year: 2021
Project Category: Public space activation
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Dulce, NM
AARP Community Challenge Grant Year: 2025
Project Category: Public space activation
Description: The project addressed the lack of accessible outdoor spaces where older adults could safely gather, exercise and connect. The team installed secured benches, picnic tables, pergola shades and concrete slabs that created a stable, comfortable place for daily use. These additions made the park more welcoming and supported regular outdoor activities. Residents stopped by during construction to ask about the progress and shared their excitement about enjoying meals and time outside next summer. The improvements reduced isolation, encouraged movement and set the stage for future additions such as new trees, lighting and grass that will expand the park's long-term benefits.
Project description was created using generative AI and then reviewed for accuracy.
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.
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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