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City of College Place (2021) Print
2021 AARP Community Challenge Grantee
Project Category
Digital Connections
└ Public spaces improvements to increase high-speed internet availability
└ Public spaces improvements to increase high-speed internet availability
Many residents of College Place lacked access to reliable high-speed internet. To address this, the City of College Place installed hotspots at parks, playgrounds, outdoor movie venues, farmers markets and the local municipal center. Organizers ensured each chosen location had a parking lot, allowing residents to access the internet from their vehicles. To spread the word, the City posted signs advertising the hotspots and City staff attended community events to discuss the free Wi-Fi initiative. Project organizers say public Wi-Fi helps residents access important online resources, such as local job postings. Additionally, the undertaking strengthened the City's relationship with the local school district and affordable housing providers.
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Baltimore, MD
AARP Community Challenge Grant Year: 2024
Project Category: Public spaces improvements to increase high-speed internet availability
Description: Baltimore's digital divide leaves many older adults without affordable internet, cutting off access to telehealth, banking and social connection. At Stadium Place, home to 450 residents age 50-plus, Open Works installed two solar-powered benches offering free Wi-Fi, device charging and seating. Each station operates off-grid with solar panels and 5G routers, creating a resilient resource during outages. Early data shows steady use despite winter weather, and a digital navigator is being trained for upkeep. Designs are being open-sourced to encourage replication. "We hope the solar stations will help connect folks who do not have access to the internet... and spark social connections as folks sit and charge their phones," the team noted.
Laurel, MS
AARP Community Challenge Grant Year: 2024
Project Category: Public spaces improvements to increase high-speed internet availability
Description: In rural Jones County, many older adults faced isolation and limited access to books, technology and health resources due to poverty and transportation barriers. The library transformed a rundown trolley into LOTTIE, a mobile hub equipped with Wi-Fi, laptops, books and programming supplies. It now delivers technology classes, health clinics and library services directly to neighborhoods and care centers. This has helped bridge the digital divide and served to foster increased social connection. One patron in her late 70s said receiving books and audiobooks at home after months of isolation "made me cry," showing how the project restored joy and independence for older residents.
Philadelphia, PA
AARP Community Challenge Grant Year: 2023
Project Category: Public spaces improvements to increase high-speed internet availability
Description: Reliable internet was out of reach for many Philadelphia residents, leaving older adults disconnected and unable to manage essential tasks. The project installed free Wi-Fi across senior residences and nearby public spaces, hosted town halls and distributed 100 laptops with digital literacy training. The network now serves hundreds, easing financial strain and improving access to telehealth and communication. One resident shared gratitude, saying older adults are often overlooked when it comes to technology access.
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Milton-Freewater, OR
AARP Community Challenge Grant Year: 2020
Project Category: Public space activation
Description: This project temporarily transformed an underused parking lot into a town plaza, dubbed Freewater Square. First, the Milton-Freewater Downtown Alliance made repairs to the pavement and added electric and water access at the site. They then purchased outdoor furniture, shade umbrellas and games. Volunteers also built planters and installed a stage for performances. To beautify the plaza, project organizers also held a mural painting competition. After the transformation, the plaza hosted monthly events, including live music, movie nights, community art projects and game tournaments -- all of which gave residents a safe way to socialize during the COVID-19 pandemic. Small buildings host pop-ups, allowing the site the act as a small business incubator. Eventually, MFDA plans to revert the site to a parking lot. But project organizers say they will use ideas from the plaza activation to permanently convert a nearby vacant lot into a community market and activity center.
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