AARP Hearing Center
AARP Livable Communities Map
City of Greenfield (2020) Print
2020 AARP Community Challenge Grantee
Project Category
Public places
└ Public space activation
└ Public space activation
The City of Greenfield removed 250-square-feet of asphalt from a downtown parking lot, converting it to a pocket park -- a space for people instead of cars. The Fiske Avenue Pocket Park features benches, a chess table, a bike repair station, a pollinator garden and a quirky bee sculpture. Project organizers say the new, centrally located green space supportz a central goal of the city's Sustainable Master Plan: to create a vibrant, walkable downtown. Additionally, removing the asphalt supported efforts to mitigate stormwater runoff. The project's success also helped the City secure a 200,000 grant from the state Department of Transportation.
Photo Gallery
Image:
Click on a photo to learn more
See More Projects Like This One
South Bend, IN
AARP Community Challenge Grant Year: 2021
Project Category: Public space activation
Description: Many older adults in South Bend have trouble connecting with their peers to engage in meaningful conversation. South Bend Heritage develops affordable housing for older adults and provides supportive services to facilitate aging in place. The organization transformed an alley that connects one of its apartment buildings to South Bend's downtown. The alley now features benches, picnic tables, lighting and grills. Since the improvements, the space hosts monthly events to encourage apartment residents and the wider community to gather and socialize.
Toledo, WA
AARP Community Challenge Grant Year: 2024
Project Category: Public space activation
Description: After fires and closures left Toledo with few gathering spaces, the library became a lifeline for residents, especially older adults. A failing roof threatened its survival, risking loss of books and a vital social hub. The grant funded a new roof and added a comfortable seating area near large-print books, plus events like an ice cream social with a historic slide show and computer classes. These upgrades secured the librarys future, boosted attendance and volunteerism and deepened intergenerational ties. As one volunteer shared, "Our new roof held up beautifully to... torrential downpours and high winds," easing fears of closure.
Project description was created using generative AI and then reviewed for accuracy.
Appleton, WI
AARP Community Challenge Grant Year: 2021
Project Category: Public space activation
Description: To give residents more spaces to gather and socialize, Creative Downtown Appleton created a parklet. Volunteers repurposed two on-street parking spaces to create the mini-park, which they outfitted with seating, tables and LED lighting. To make the space accessible to wheelchair users and parents with strollers, organizers installed a ramp. Additionally, they installed bike racks nearby. Visitors to the parklet are welcome to pick herbs for free, which Creative Downtown Appleton planted onsite. Project organizers say the space supports nearby businesses -- the parklet offers people an outdoor seating option so they can enjoy coffee or meals purchased locally.
Nearby AARP Community Challenge Projects
South Hadley, MA
AARP Community Challenge Grant Year: 2026
Project Category: Digital navigation skills
Description: Older volunteers will be trained as peer technology mentors to expand the number of hours for one-on-one tech help. Faster support will help residents use phones, tablets and computers with greater confidence and fewer delays.
Sunderland, MA
AARP Community Challenge Grant Year: 2026
Project Category: Disaster Resilience Other
Description: Household disaster preparedness for older adults will be impved by distributing 300 emergency kits designed for power outages, flooding and extreme cold. The center will also host local workshops with emergency management partners to help residents age 50+ prepare.
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 Massachusetts State Office
One Beacon Street
Suite 2301
Boston, MA 02108
United States