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Oxford, AL
AARP Community Challenge Grant Year: 2018
Project Category: Public space activation
Description: Oxford's historic downtown is home to restaurants, shops, art galleries, historic churches and a first-class performing arts center. Its brick-paved sidewalks are great for strolling, but the area lacked seating options. To address this, Historic Main Street Oxford installed metal benches, as well as two bike racks. This enables Main Street visitors to grab an ice cream cone with a friend and rest comfortably in the shade. The new amenities came during a downtown streetscaping project, which included installing accessible sidewalks, new lighting and improved landscaping.
Bunkie, LA
AARP Community Challenge Grant Year: 2022
Project Category: Public space activation
Description: Older residents in Bunkie lacked walkable routes and green spaces, limiting opportunities for social connection and physical activity. The project introduced a historic walking tour with a wayfinding sign, pamphlets and a dedicated bench along the route. The tour promotes activity and community ties while building support for Complete Streets improvements. "I rarely came out and walk anymore but I'm excited to take the self-guided walking tour with my grandchildren now," said one participant.
Project description was created using generative AI and then reviewed for accuracy.
Rolling Fork, MS
AARP Community Challenge Grant Year: 2025
Project Category: Public space activation
Description: In Rolling Fork, residents had few safe places downtown to walk or linger, a challenge made more acute after a tornado left the area struggling to recover. For older adults, limited walkable space meant fewer chances to stay active and connect with neighbors during a period marked by stress and isolation. Lower Delta Partnership responded by creating a walking path around the downtown square, using bright painted designs and public art to improve visibility and draw people in. ADA-compliant benches and trash receptacles were placed along the route, allowing walkers to rest comfortably and return more often. Volunteers helped bring the space to life and launched the path with a community event that encouraged use. The route is now part of daily routines for older adults and other residents, and it has become a visible sign of hope downtown. A local gym owner said the length and bench spacing made it easier for older adults to walk multiple laps without feeling intimidated.
Project description was created using generative AI and then reviewed for accuracy.
Nearby AARP Community Challenge Projects
Richland County, SC
AARP Community Challenge Grant Year: 2021
Project Category: Engaging residents alongside thought leaders in problem solving
Description: To help facilitate community conversations around race, bias, inclusivity and equality, the Richland Library created a curriculum for community groups, nonprofits and businesses. To launch the Let's Talk Race program, library staff brought in a consultant to develop training materials, as well as videos and web content. All materials are available to the community for free. Additionally, organizers wanted to enable other communities to replicate the work, so they built an open-source digital toolkit. Organizers hope the curriculum creates a safe space for important -- but often difficult -- community discussions.
Columbia, SC
AARP Community Challenge Grant Year: 2022
Project Category: Lifelong housing and accessibility
Description: Older adults experiencing homelessness in Columbia face long waits for housing and growing health needs. Transitions is converting a new property into ADA-accessible apartments and an Adult Day Care center with wider bathrooms, lift assistance and specialized equipment. These upgrades will provide safe housing and care for medically fragile residents, reducing reliance on nursing homes. "I am so happy and excited about the work performed," shared one client, highlighting the importance of supportive spaces.
Project description was created using generative AI and then reviewed for accuracy.
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