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Washington, DC
AARP Community Challenge Grant Year: 2021
Project Category: Public or private transit access
Description: While Washington, D.C. has a robust public transit system, rider amenities are not consistent throughout the city and the Pennsylvania Avenue East Corridor is particularly underserved. The city's Office of Planning hoped to use creative placemaking techniques to make waiting for the bus safer and more comfortable. Project organizers worked with local artists to design and build an Imagination Bench, which they placed on a well-used bus route. The bench has solar-powered illumination and a QR code on its side directs viewers to information about the bench and local planning efforts. Originally installed near Fort Dupont Park, planning staff intend to feature the brightly colored bench at the city's farmers markets, pop-up shops and other community events.
Louisville, KY
AARP Community Challenge Grant Year: 2020
Project Category: Public or private transit access
Description: To provide a safe, comfortable space for older residents who are waiting for transportation, ElderServe set out to install a bus stop shelter near a popular Senior Center. Work involved pouring a new concrete slab for the shelter to level out the site.
Milton, DE
AARP Community Challenge Grant Year: 2023
Project Category: Public or private transit access
Description: Many older adults lacked reliable transportation to medical appointments, creating delays in care and added stress for people who could not drive. The project formed a nursing-transportation partnership that offered an on-demand ride option managed through a virtual platform and supported by a phone line for scheduling. Volunteers trained as care coordinators helped residents request rides, and vouchers were set aside for medical and dental trips. The effort raised awareness about gaps in transportation and prompted plans to build a sustainable model that expands travel training and partnerships. One resident said, "It's comforting to know there are people out there who can be called upon in times of need," reflecting how the service eased concerns about accessing care.
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Brownsville, TX
AARP Community Challenge Grant Year: 2019
Project Category: Public art installations
Description: The City of Brownsville set out to transform its 14th Street Plaza into a vibrant place for residents and visitors to the city. The City commissioned local artists to create a mural in the seven archways along one of the site's walls. To select the muralists, the City held a competition. The winning design, The Three Graces, by local artists Alexandria Canchola, Monica Lugo and Samantha Rawls, explores the relationships between sisters, cities and countries. Additionally, the City set up portable tables and seats, hung tree light fixtures, constructed a shade canopy and added new fountains to the site. They were also able to replace broken bollards, replace electrical fixtures and install bike racks and trash cans. Project organizers say the plaza was not well-maintained before and they hope upkeep will be easier now. Going forward, city officials see the park as a tool for economic development, attracting visitors to visit nearby businesses and museums.
Brownsville, TX
AARP Community Challenge Grant Year: 2024
Project Category: Activities that address social isolation and facilitate community connections
Description: Brownsville lacked a community center dedicated to older adults, leaving them with little voice in city planning and their critical needs unmet. The organization surveyed more than 900 residents and hosted forums to spotlight gaps in services and infrastructure. These efforts prompted the city to create its first Senior Community Center and opened the door for a Senior Advisory Committee to guide age-friendly policies. By connecting older adults with local leaders, the project strengthened civic engagement and set the stage for lasting improvements in transportation, social programs and livable spaces. One organizer said that efforts have brought much needed attention to an undeserved community.
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