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Monroeville, AL
AARP Community Challenge Grant Year: 2021
Project Category: Public space activation
Description: Organizers with Monroeville's Main Street initiative hoped to draw residents to the city's historic downtown district. To give people a reason to gather outdoors, they added wheelchair-accessible game tables and seating in several locations, including the grounds of the Monroe County Museum, two parks, the local YMCA and a senior center. The organization also purchased checkers and chess game pieces, which are available to visitors to check out. Part of a larger campaign to decrease littering and encourage community pride, organizers also installed trash cans downtown. And to increase facetime with constituents, the newly elected mayor also called on residents to challenge him to a game of chess or checkers. Organizers say the placemaking project is meant to unite the community by giving people a place to connect with each other.
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.
Eldridge, AL
AARP Community Challenge Grant Year: 2023
Project Category: Public space activation
Description: The project addressed the lack of a safe place for exercise and social interaction, especially for older adults who previously walked along busy highways or stayed inactive due to limited options. It created a welcoming outdoor area with a covered gathering space, playground equipment and seating, along with added features that encouraged grandparents and families to spend time together. The improvements strengthened community ties and provided a reliable place for residents to meet and reconnect. As one resident said, "Having this new space in our community is wonderful... I get to sit in the swing and read a book or visit with a neighbor."
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.
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