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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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Newnan, GA
AARP Community Challenge Grant Year: 2019
Project Category: Public space activation
Description: This project set out to activate a neglected alleyway, which they christened Carnegie-Thompson Alley. The space connects to a planned trail system spanning downtown Newnan. To allow residents to gather in the space, project organizers purchased seating and lighting. Public art installations are planned for the site, as well as repaving to ensure accessibility.
Conyers, GA
AARP Community Challenge Grant Year: 2021
Project Category: Public space activation
Description: The grounds of the Conyers-Rockdale Library offer locals an attractive, relaxing place to work remotely and enjoy the area's natural surroundings. Through its Birds, Benches and Blooms project, the library installed brightly colored benches around the grounds, including one on the Olde Town Conyers Trail, a well-traveled bicycle and pedestrian path. Project organizers also installed hand-crafted wooden bird feeders with live stream cameras, allowing residents to watch birds in person and from home. Additionally, the library bought two weather-protected corkboards to display community announcements.
Perryville, MO
AARP Community Challenge Grant Year: 2025
Project Category: Public space activation
Description: Downtown Perryville Advancement addressed a basic but persistent barrier to walkability: the lack of clear, non-digital wayfinding in the downtown core. For older adults who prefer physical maps or have limited access to smartphones, finding shops, restaurants and everyday services could be frustrating and discouraging. The project installed a permanent wayfinding sign at a key pedestrian intersection, clearly marking directions to downtown destinations and allowing people to orient themselves at a glance. Community members noted they discovered businesses and attractions they had not realized were nearby. The sign now supports easier navigation, greater confidence and a willingness to park once and walk, reinforcing downtown as a place older adults can move through independently and comfortably.
Project description was created using generative AI and then reviewed for accuracy.
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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