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
Greenfield, MA
AARP Community Challenge Grant Year: 2020
Project Category: Public space activation
Description: 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.
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.
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