See More Projects Like This One

St. Louis, MO

AARP Community Challenge Grant Year: 2022

Project Category: Public space activation

Description: The North Hanley Transit Center had long lacked seating, shade and visual appeal, creating an unwelcoming environment for riders. The project added benches with backs and armrests, canopies, colorful pavement art and murals, along with updated shelters and wayfinding. These improvements made the station more comfortable and inviting, and have prompted further investment and discussions of large-scale development. As one transit operator noted, "This station looks fresh and inviting. The seats are great and riders seem so much happier."

Washington, DC

AARP Community Challenge Grant Year: 2021

Project Category: Public space activation

Description: The Well at Oxon Run, a 1.5-acre farm, outdoor classroom and community space, has been a huge asset for the Congress Heights neighborhood. The Well, however, lacked a waterproof, covered area for events and classes. DC Greens added a roof to the Well's wood-framed pavilion, creating a comfortable venue that is usable year-round. Following the roof's installation, the space has hosted yoga, chi gong and body therapy classes, as well as community drum circles and other events.

Middleburgh, NY

AARP Community Challenge Grant Year: 2017

Project Category: Public space activation

Description: To make its parks and business district more accessible to a wide range of people, the Village of Middleburgh installed six benches and two multi-use tables. Village staff report those benches and tables proved useful during the COVID-19 pandemic when they provided older adults with a place for safe, outdoor activities. The project also attracted additional private and nonprofit donations for future improvements in Middleburgh and inspired plans for other accessibility projects, such as adding a wheelchair lift to the village hall.

Nearby AARP Community Challenge Projects

Charlotte, NC

AARP Community Challenge Grant Year: 2025

Project Category: Pedestrian Safety

Description: This project will develop an artificial intelligence safety dashboard to identify dangerous streets and guide infrastructure upgrades.

Charlotte, NC

AARP Community Challenge Grant Year: 2023

Project Category: Improved wayfinding

Description: Sustain Charlotte addressed a lack of clear greenway information by creating an interactive map showing 62 miles of trails with benches, restrooms and other accessibility features. Volunteers, many age 50-plus, helped gather and test data before the map's public launch. The tool now empowers older adults to plan safe outings and has prompted county planners to explore integrating it into official wayfinding. One participant said, "I had never walked on the greenway... adding these features to the map gave me confidence."

LEARN MORE AND STAY INFORMED

Find articles and resources about making communities more livable for people of all ages

people icon

Download or order free publications from AARP Livable Communities

download icon

Sign up for the free, weekly, award-winning AARP Livable Communities eNewsletter

mail icon

Don't see your community listed?

LEARN HOW IT CAN JOIN THE NETWORK

Connect with your AARP State Office

AARP has offices in all 50 states as well as in the District of Columbia, Puerto Rico and the U.S. Virgin Islands.

AARP North Carolina State Office

5511 Capital Center Drive
Suite 400
Raleigh, NC 27606
United States

Phone: 866-389-5650
Fax: 919-755-9684
Email: [email protected]