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Warren, OH
AARP Community Challenge Grant Year: 2023
Project Category: Public space activation
Description: This project will convert a vacant property the site of a demolished former hospital into a greenspace for older adults by installing trees, landscaping, a walking path and lighting.
Wilton, NH
AARP Community Challenge Grant Year: 2020
Project Category: Trails
Description: The Town of Wilton built ADA-compliant walkways along the bank of Souhegan River. The walkways connect restaurants and a veterans park to Wilton's downtown core. Part of planned improvements to the Wilton Riverwalk, the new walkways transformed a preexisting walking path into downtown's first accessible pedestrian route. After the Town secured funding for the improvements, a local telecom company donated an easement for the project. Organizers say Wilton is working to boost its local economy and position itself as a place where people can come to enjoy shopping, ecotourism and cultural events. Part of that effort is remaking the downtown into a walkable environment that caters to pedestrians instead of cars. Since then, the Town has continued revitalization efforts, and recently added a downtown marketplace for local artists and musicians.
Portland, OR
AARP Community Challenge Grant Year: 2021
Project Category: Entrepreneurship and improved economic resilience
Description: To support the local economy in Portland's St. John's district, the City's Office of Planning and Sustainability launched a volunteer businesses ambassador program. City staff trained volunteers to act as boosters, who helped local businessowners connect with one another. They developed a business inventory and organized focus groups with residents -- including older adults -- to create a civic engagement framework. Project organizers also engaged in placemaking efforts to increase foot traffic. One such project involved creating a mural in the nearby Albina neighborhood. The artwork depicts residents of all ages spending time in a local park. Additionally, the boosters developed plans for a new pocket park.
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Charlotte, NC
AARP Community Challenge Grant Year: 2021
Project Category: Public art installations
Description: Charlotte's Little Sugar Creek Greenway is a popular place for pedestrians, but the path through the Parkwood underpass tunnel was dark and uninviting. Working with local partners, Brand the Moth gave the tunnel new life. The organization commissioned two local artists to design a mural, which volunteers helped install during a community paint day. The new artwork represents Charlotte's people, communities and nature. Residents and visitors can now take a walking tour through the mural. Project organizers say they hope the public art project attracts more people to use the greenway.
Charlotte, NC
AARP Community Challenge Grant Year: 2020
Project Category: Access to high-speed internet
Description: Work-from-home protocols during the COVID-19 pandemic exposed the digital divide between those with high-speed internet access at home and those without a fast connection. To bridge that rift, the North End Community Coalition began a Wi-Fi lending program. The initiative allows residents to borrow tablets and hotspot devices for up to three weeks at no cost. In addition, the coalition partnered with local schools to provide hotspots and tablets to students. To bring connectivity to Charlotte's older residents, the coalition also wired two local senior apartment complexes for free Wi-Fi access. NECC has continued to work toward greater digital access by offering technology training. In 2022, the organization hosted an event with the Center for Digital Equity where North End residents received free laptops, met with digital navigators and had the option to sign up for reduced-cost internet service.
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