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City of District Heights (2018) Print
2018 AARP Community Challenge Grantee
Project Category
Public places
└ Public space activation
└ Public space activation
The City of District Heights set out to add deck furniture to an outdoor patio at its Youth Services Bureau. The City uses the space for public gatherings, as well as fundraisers and other activities for people of all ages. Additionally, the City hopes older adults will use the peaceful patio for meditation and reflection. To ensure the new seating meets the community's needs, they hosted an event with the local AARP chapter to get older adults' opinions on furniture options. Based on that feedback, they purchased new tables and chairs for the deck.
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Martin, SD
AARP Community Challenge Grant Year: 2021
Project Category: Public space activation
Description: A pocket park and community garden in Martin had fallen into disrepair, but organizers with South Dakota State University Extension hoped to breathe new life into the space. They engaged volunteers to paint the Hope Garden's pergola and remove broken picnic tables, replacing them with new, accessible tables. Additionally, they repaired the garden's drip irrigation system, installed a trash can and added a portable handwashing station. A local artist also painted a mural onsite and new solar lights make the mini-park feel safter at night. Project organizers say the Hope Garden will offer a space for community events and educational offerings. They say improvements to the site helped make the space more sustainable and welcoming to community members.
Kamiah, ID
AARP Community Challenge Grant Year: 2018
Project Category: Public space activation
Description: To create a gathering place for their rural community and provide opportunities for social connection, the Carrot Ridge Volunteer Fire District equipped its red-sided, barn-like building with tables, chairs and small appliances. They then hosted a dinner to thank the many volunteers who donated time, land, building supplies and more to build the center during its construction. Since then, the center has hosted chili cook-offs, a community Thanksgiving event and barbeques for hundreds of residents.
La Crosse, WI
AARP Community Challenge Grant Year: 2018
Project Category: Public space activation
Description: La Crosse's food forest produces fruit and vegetables for the community, helps absorb stormwater runoff and serves as a communal gathering place. The forest, however, did not have seating along its many paths. To beautify the forest and give visitors a place to rest, the La Crosse Area Family YMCA created artistic benches. Younger people worked with older adult mentors to design, assemble and decorate each bench. Many pay homage to the forest, featuring images of plants and vegetables. Project organizers say the public art effort fostered intergenerational cohesion, and residents consider the new benches to be source of community pride.
Nearby AARP Community Challenge Projects
Washington, DC
AARP Community Challenge Grant Year: 2023
Project Category: Public or private transit access
Description: Older adults in Washington DC often lacked confidence using public transit or ride-hailing, leaving many isolated and unable to reach essential services. The Senior Transit Solutions program delivered five workshops, over 100 one-on-one training sessions and many practice trips to build skills and confidence. 97% of participants reported feeling more comfortable navigating transportation options. "Thanks to this training program, I've been able to go shopping, doctor appointments and senior events that I normally wouldn't have been able to go to," one participant said. Plans include expanding the program citywide.
Washington, DC
AARP Community Challenge Grant Year: 2024
Project Category: Emergency preparedness skills
Description: Extreme heat threatens older adults in DC, especially those aging at home without resources or knowledge to prepare. To address this, the agency held 17 workshops at local centers and villages, reaching over 450 participants, and distributed more than 500 Cool Kits with essential supplies. A 2025 emergency preparedness calendar featuring inclusive artwork and seasonal safety tips was also created. Attendees reported greater confidence and asked for more sessions. One participant shared "I did not know the difference between heat exhaustion and heat stroke," and noted the importance of this training.
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