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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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Clarkesville, GA
AARP Community Challenge Grant Year: 2023
Project Category: Public space activation
Description: Clarkesville lacked interactive outdoor spaces that encouraged movement and family bonding, especially for older adults. Pebble Ministry addressed this by creating a StoryWalk near the visitors center, installing posts and display cases for rotating books and adding signage with QR codes for feedback. The trail now draws readers of all ages, promoting exercise and social connection. Older adults report enjoying walks with friends and pets, and one visitor wrote, "A group of us...were out for a walk and were so pleased to see this."
Project description was created using generative AI and then reviewed for accuracy.
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.
Dixon, NM
AARP Community Challenge Grant Year: 2020
Project Category: Public space activation
Description: To draw visitors to a park on the grounds of Dixon's local library, the Embudo Valley Library and Community Center installed picnic tables and benches at the site. In 2019, the library distributed a survey and hosted focus groups with residents to determine the community's needs, with seating emerging as a top priority. The community center commissioned local artists and craftspeople to create the tables and benches, which are ADA-compliant. One of the tables is located in the library's fruit orchard, near a traditional irrigation ditch known as an acequia. Project organizers say they chose the location to honor the community's cultural heritage. In the future, Center staff envision putting the benches and tables to use during local events, including the annual Fiesta de Santa Rosa.
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.
Project description was created using generative AI and then reviewed for accuracy.
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.
Project description was created using generative AI and then reviewed for accuracy.
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