See More Projects Like This One

Grand Rapids, MI

AARP Community Challenge Grant Year: 2024

Project Category: Public space activation

Description: Faded sidewalk art along Plainfield Avenue made the corridor less inviting and harder to navigate, especially for older adults. To restore visibility and improve walkability, the group revitalized nearly one mile of sidewalks with new designs featuring wayfinding elements. Three volunteer painting days engaged residents of all ages, using adaptive tools so everyone could participate. The refreshed sidewalks now guide pedestrians to shops and public spaces, while the collaborative process strengthened intergenerational ties and sparked a sense of ownership that supports future placemaking efforts.

Project description was created using generative AI and then reviewed for accuracy.

Sparta, GA

AARP Community Challenge Grant Year: 2026

Project Category: Public space activation

Description: A vacant downtown lot will be transformed into an ADA-accessible pocket park featuring safe walkways, shaded seating and landscaping. The park will offer older adults a welcoming place to rest, gather and connect in the town center.

Tallahassee, FL

AARP Community Challenge Grant Year: 2026

Project Category: Public space activation

Description: Youth will record oral histories from elders and install a public Story Bench with QR codes in a neighborhood park. Visitors will listen to local stories while building intergenerational connections and preserving community history.

Nearby AARP Community Challenge Projects

Belmond, IA

AARP Community Challenge Grant Year: 2026

Project Category: Public space activation

Description: The project will convert a narrow Main Street lot into an accessible pocket park with seating and shade. The space will offer a place to rest, gather and enjoy downtown events.

Forest City, IA

AARP Community Challenge Grant Year: 2026

Project Category: Trails

Description: The project will restore a historic pedestrian bridge to reconnect neighborhoods across the river. Improved access will create safer walking and biking routes, strengthening links within the local trail system.

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 Iowa State Office

600 E. Court Avenue
Suite 100
Des Moines, IA 50309
United States

Phone: 866-554-5378
Fax: 515-244-7767
Email: [email protected]