AARP Hearing Center
AARP Livable Communities Map
See More Projects Like This One
Flint, MI
AARP Community Challenge Grant Year: 2018
Project Category: Park enhancements
Description: To make the Footbridge Park Plaza safer and more inviting, the Carriage Town Neighborhood Association added benches, trash receptacles and a dog clean-up station to the space. They also upgraded lighting, allowing visitors to more safely use the plaza at night. Many Carriage Town residents use the footbridge to walk to and from Flint's downtown. After the improvements, project organizers polled locals and found 80 percent said they were more likely to use the plaza. Neighbors have since begun work on a second plaza nearby.
New Orleans, LA
AARP Community Challenge Grant Year: 2021
Project Category: Park enhancements
Description: In New Orleans' Lower Ninth Ward, many residents lack access to public outdoor spaces. To provide additional recreational areas and bolster intergenerational connections for residents, the Sankofa Community Development Corporation improved Sankofa Wetland Park and Nature Trail, clearing overgrown grass, fallen trees and other obstructions from the water's edge. Project organizers also installed benches and bike racks and bought new fishing equipment for visitors to use in the park. Fishing has great cultural significance to the residents of this neighborhood and provides a way for elders to bond with and mentor local youth.
Clear Lake, SD
AARP Community Challenge Grant Year: 2023
Project Category: Park enhancements
Description: Clear Lakes main park lacked safe seating and drinking water, making it hard for older adults to watch games comfortably. The project installed two ADA-compliant benches with shaded canopies and a chilled water bottle filling station at Lavin Field, along with signage and supporting infrastructure. These upgrades provide lasting amenities for hydration and secure seating, reducing fall risks and promoting wellness. A resident noted she could now enjoy practices without climbing bleachers. Future plans include ribbon-cutting events and exploring similar improvements at other parks.
Project description was created using generative AI and then reviewed for accuracy.
Nearby AARP Community Challenge Projects
Germantown, MD
AARP Community Challenge Grant Year: 2024
Project Category: Community Gardens
Description: Food insecurity and isolation affected residents near the hospital, especially older adults who faced barriers to healthy eating and physical activity. To address this, Holy Cross Health created an ADA-compliant community garden with 19 plots, two wheelchair-accessible tables and a Harvest Garden for donations and education. The program served 19 families, donated 205 pounds of produce and offered bilingual gardening classes and seedlings. Participants reported eating more fruits and vegetables and feeling more confident growing food. Plans include expanding the garden and partnering with schools and other care programs to broaden impact.
Project description was created using generative AI and then reviewed for accuracy.
Lovettsville, VA
AARP Community Challenge Grant Year: 2024
Project Category: Bikeability
Description: Without secure bike parking, older adults had fewer options for low-cost, healthy transportation and social connection. The town installed three steel bike racks in front of Town Hall, creating a safe, central spot for cyclists to access shops, events and community spaces. The racks encourage biking for errands and recreation, reducing reliance on cars and promoting physical activity. They've sparked community pride and support future plans for bike-friendly infrastructure, reinforcing Lovettsville's commitment to active living for residents of all ages. One resident said "This project has not only enhanced the convenience for those who enjoy biking, but it has also encouraged a more active lifestyle within the overall community."
Project description was created using generative AI and then reviewed for accuracy.
LEARN MORE AND STAY INFORMED
Find articles and resources about making communities more livable for people of all ages
Download or order free publications from AARP Livable Communities
Sign up for the free, weekly, award-winning AARP Livable Communities eNewsletter
Don't see your community listed?
LEARN HOW IT CAN JOIN THE NETWORKConnect with your AARP State Office
AARP has offices in all 50 states as well as in the District of Columbia, Puerto Rico and the U.S. Virgin Islands.
AARP Maryland State Office
200 St. Paul Place
Suite 2510
Baltimore, MD 21202
United States