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City of Hammond (2023) Print
2023 AARP Community Challenge Grantee
Project Category
Public places
└ Public space activation
└ Public space activation
This project will transform an underutilized public space into a multipurpose place capable of hosting special events that bring older adults and people of all ages together in one cultural location.
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Vinita, OK
AARP Community Challenge Grant Year: 2018
Project Category: Public space activation
Description: The City of Vinita set out to create a gathering place for the community to enjoy while making a positive economic impact on local commerce. Through the Route 66 Breezeway Project, they transformed a dark alley along historic Route 66 Main Street corridor into a well-lit, safe pathway. To allow people to gather in the breezeway, the City installed ADA-accessible benches and tables. Art displayed along the alley's walls allow the space to function as an outdoor gallery. The space connects to downtown Vinita, allowing visitors to walk to shops and restaurants there. For residents of new senior living apartments nearby, the area has created a welcoming, art-filled gathering space and enjoyable walking access to downtown. Today, the site hosts a seasonal farmers market, concerts, outdoor dining and meetings.
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.
Toledo, WA
AARP Community Challenge Grant Year: 2024
Project Category: Public space activation
Description: The library will replace its building's roof, preserving an important community space in Toledo's downtown, which is recovering following a series of devastating fires.
Nearby AARP Community Challenge Projects
Metarie, LA
AARP Community Challenge Grant Year: 2024
Project Category: Digital navigation skills
Description: Two retired middle school teachers will train older adults to use their smartphones. Lessons will cover basic skills, such as how to turn the phone on and off, as well as intermediate topics, including making photo albums and deleting apps.
New Orleans, LA
AARP Community Challenge Grant Year: 2025
Project Category: Engaging residents in vibrant public places
Description: This project will rehabilitate a community center to create a public space for older adults. The center will include a computer lab for digital literacy, health and nutrition education, and activities to promote social connectedness.
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