Imperial, NE

AARP Community Challenge Grant Year: 2021

Project Category: Public space activation

Description: A vacant lot in the heart of Imperial's downtown had been an eyesore for decades. To put the space to better use, the City of Imperial activated the space, creating a new pocket park. Volunteers helped create several murals onsite and installed a mosaic dragon sculpture, designed to double as a play structure for children. Using upcycled existing picnic tables and railroad ties, they also created a circular seating area, dubbed the chatroom. Local elementary school students and residents of an assisted living facility teamed up to paint tiles to decorate outdoor sectional couch. And volunteers laid down artificial turf -- a material chosen to make the mini-park easy to maintain. Raised flower beds completed the space. Since the mini-park's completion, organizers say community members continue to brainstorm ways to improve the pocket park, which they say has revitalized Imperial's arts scene.

St. Mary, LA

AARP Community Challenge Grant Year: 2025

Project Category: Public space activation

Description: The Rivercane Senior Center lacked a safe outdoor space where older adults could spend time outside, gather comfortably and stay connected to community life. The project added raised-bed gardens, seating, solar lights and a concrete slab with a full-cover canopy that created a protected area for activity and social interaction. These improvements made it easier for older adults to be outdoors and opened new opportunities for intergenerational volunteering. The space is expected to support more physical activity and social engagement, and one resident has already expressed eagerness to start gardening when weather allows. Future additions such as new lighting, fans and running water will help the area function year-round and strengthen long-term use.

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

Okmulgee, OK

AARP Community Challenge Grant Year: 2025

Project Category: Public space activation

Description: Okmulgee Main Street set out to reclaim a downtown alley that residents avoided due to trash dumping, poor lighting and uneven walking surfaces that felt unsafe, especially for older adults. The space functioned only as a service corridor, leaving people living nearby with few accessible places to walk, sit or connect. The project removed dumpsters, leveled the surface and added lighting, clear signage, accessible benches, planters, murals and removable bollards. These changes created a smooth, well-lit path with places to rest and visible cues that invite people to enter and stay. Older adults were closely involved in shaping and building the space and now report feeling safer using it, including in the evening. The alley has already hosted community events and is functioning as permanent, age-friendly infrastructure that supports daily use and strengthens nearby businesses while offering a practical model for future downtown improvements.

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