AARP Hearing Center
AARP Livable Communities Map
City of Hammond (2023) Print
2023 AARP Community Challenge Grantee
Project Category
Public places
└ Public space activation
└ Public space activation
Morrison Alley's pocket park had become overgrown and nearly unusable, leaving older adults and visitors without a safe, welcoming space downtown. The city cleared the area, added five tables including an ADA-accessible option, installed dwarf azaleas and mulch to protect the park's Live Oak and placed waste receptacles to keep it clean. Within hours of installation, residents were gathering for lunch and conversation. "I love it!" one visitor said, reflecting broad enthusiasm for the transformation. The city plans further ADA upgrades, ensuring the park remains a vibrant hub for community connection.
Project description was created using generative AI and then reviewed for accuracy.
Project description was created using generative AI and then reviewed for accuracy.
Photo Gallery
Image:
Click on a photo to learn more
See More Projects Like This One
Monroeville, AL
AARP Community Challenge Grant Year: 2022
Project Category: Public space activation
Description: Organizers with Monroeville Main Street wanted to create a free, healthy educational activity for families. They created a story trail downtown, which leads from the town's historic square to the local library. They installed 24 panels along the trail, each containing pages from a story book. This allows families with children to read the book as they stroll. Organizers plan to swap out the story on display 18 times over the course of the year. Additionally, organizers installed water fountains and water bottle filling stations in three parks, as well as in Monroeville's downtown. To accommodate people of all abilities, each story trail panel and water fountain sits along ADA-compliant sidewalks. Organizers say the story trail will be a feature in the community's downtown events.
San Francisco, CA
AARP Community Challenge Grant Year: 2022
Project Category: Public space activation
Description: Older adults in San Francisco's Tenderloin neighborhood lacked safe outdoor spaces and faced isolation in single-room housing. The project transformed Dodge Alley with a vibrant mural, native plants, ADA-compliant benches, bistro tables and permanent string lighting. Monthly events featuring music, art and games turned the alley into a welcoming gathering spot. Residents now help maintain the space, and city agencies plan further upgrades.
Youngstown, OH
AARP Community Challenge Grant Year: 2022
Project Category: Public space activation
Description: Boulevard Park Block Watch Residents lacked a nearby public space to rest and connect, leaving older adults isolated in a dense neighborhood. The group transformed two vacant lots into a pocket park with benches, porch swings, picnic tables and plantings, plus a solar-lit flagpole and ADA-compliant features. The park now offers a secure, walkable space for socializing and exercise. "Neighbors with mobility issues were seen daily walking the 260-foot cement pathway," organizers noted, highlighting its role in fostering connection close to home.
Nearby AARP Community Challenge Projects
Baton Rouge, LA
AARP Community Challenge Grant Year: 2022
Project Category: Improved wayfinding
Description: Scotlandville Parkway's 3-mile trail lacked clear signage and cultural identity, limiting its use for active transportation. BREC added wayfinding signs and installed public art honoring Southern University's role in the community. Volunteers helped paint connectors for the art walk, making the trail more inviting. The improvements encourage walking and biking in a neighborhood where 40% live below poverty and many lack cars. "I've lived here all my life and never knew this trail connected here!" said one resident.
Metarie, LA
AARP Community Challenge Grant Year: 2024
Project Category: Digital navigation skills
Description: Older adults struggling with smartphone use faced isolation and difficulty managing daily tasks. To bridge this gap, the YMCA created curricula for cellphone use and offered small classes with one-on-one support. Participants learned essentials like turning devices on, managing apps and creating photo albums. The program helped 29 older adults gain confidence and stay connected with family, friends and health care providers. One participant said, "Now I am not alone in the world," after learning to video chat with her children using her phone, highlighting the programs impact on reducing isolation.
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 Louisiana State Office
301 Main Street
Suite 1012
Baton Rouge, LA 70825
United States