AARP Hearing Center
AARP Livable Communities Map
City of Clarion (2021) Print
2021 AARP Community Challenge Grantee
Project Category
Public places
└ Public space activation
└ Public space activation
A dilapidated, abandoned building sat in the heart of Clarion's downtown business district. But city officials were concerned demolishing the building would result in a missing tooth -- a vacant lot not conducive for redevelopment. The City made the difficult decision to tear down the building, but rather than leave the site empty they turned the space into a pocket park. Equipped with accessible picnic tables and new trees, bushes, planters and attractive grasses, the new green space gives residents easy access from a parking lot to the shops and restaurants on Central Avenue.
Photo Gallery
Image:
Click on a photo to learn more
See More Projects Like This One
Akron, OH
AARP Community Challenge Grant Year: 2025
Project Category: Public space activation
Description: Older adults in North Hill had few accessible public places to gather as longtime meeting spots faded and social isolation grew. Residents age 50 and over, including people from immigrant and refugee communities, lacked outdoor spaces that reflected their culture and supported everyday social connection. North Hill Community Development Corporation addressed this gap by transforming an underused area into the Howard Street Heritage Courtyard, a walkable public plaza shaped directly by older residents. Participants helped guide mural themes, seating and programming. The space added benches, walking paths, lighting and public art to support rest and conversation. The courtyard now serves as a permanent gathering place where older adults remain visible participants in neighborhood life. Cultural stories embedded in the art and events encourage intergenerational connection and reduce isolation.
Project description was created using generative AI and then reviewed for accuracy.
El Rito, NM
AARP Community Challenge Grant Year: 2022
Project Category: Public space activation
Description: The El Rito Library has long been a gathering place for residents of rural Rio Arriba County -- an area of New Mexico that lacks public spaces for people to socialize. To make its campus more inviting, the library added benches, bike repair stations, tables and chairs and native landscaping to its outdoor space. Organizers hope the improvements allow visitors to deepen social connections with one another. In the future, the library plans to add to the upgrades by constructing a stage for performances and exploring the possibility of installing solar panels.
Little Falls, NJ
AARP Community Challenge Grant Year: 2025
Project Category: Public space activation
Description: This project will create a vibrant outdoor gathering space at the Old Town Hall with age-friendly benches, flower gardens, shaded seating areas, and accessible walking paths.
Nearby AARP Community Challenge Projects
Des Moines, IA
AARP Community Challenge Grant Year: 2022
Project Category: Expansion and enhancement of transportation options
Description: Older adults in central Iowa faced isolation and missed appointments because they lacked affordable, on-demand transportation. The project funded over 800 rides through a call-center program that let riders book ride-hailing trips without a smartphone. Trips included medical visits, grocery runs and social outings, helping participants stay connected and independent. One rider shared, "it makes us very happy to see each other!" after using the service to visit a lifelong friend in a care facility.
Project description was created using generative AI and then reviewed for accuracy.
Epworth, IA
AARP Community Challenge Grant Year: 2023
Project Category: Park enhancements
Description: Tower Park lacked a dedicated space to honor veterans and connect residents, and steep terrain limited access for older adults. The Legion installed a six-foot granite monument, two flagpoles and landscaping. It was unveiled during a Memorial Day ceremony that drew many community members. The project improved accessibility with terraced seating and ADA-compliant paths and inspired plans for benches and a statue. The Mayor called the effort "a collaboration of many groups and a perfect example of serving and using our gifts to honor the memory of those who fought for us and our freedom."
Project description was created using generative AI and then reviewed for accuracy.
LEARN MORE AND STAY INFORMED
Find articles and resources about making communities more livable for people of all ages
Download or order free publications from AARP Livable Communities
Sign up for the free, weekly, award-winning AARP Livable Communities eNewsletter
Don't see your community listed?
LEARN HOW IT CAN JOIN THE NETWORKConnect 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