See More Projects Like This One

Ossipee, NH

AARP Community Challenge Grant Year: 2022

Project Category: Public space activation

Description: The park lacked shade and shelter, leaving older adults and families exposed to sun and rain. Volunteers built a 12-by-16-foot pavilion and added an ADA-compliant picnic table and benches, contributing more than 500 hours to the effort. The pavilion now serves as a safe, year-round gathering spot for meetings and celebrations. One resident stated that now "we see people using the park almost every hour of the day. "

Project description was created using generative AI and then reviewed for accuracy.

Champlain, NY

AARP Community Challenge Grant Year: 2019

Project Category: Public space activation

Description: The Village of Champlain constructed a freestanding launch for kayaks, canoes and stand-up paddle boards on the Great Chazy River, complete with a gangway to help visitors easily board their boats. A local firm designed and donated materials to add an accessible rail to the launch and the Village has explored setting up a rental system for visitors who do not own a kayak or other boat. Since installation, more individuals from the Village of Champlain and surrounding communities are able to enjoy the river.

Metuchen, NJ

AARP Community Challenge Grant Year: 2022

Project Category: Public space activation

Description: A car-focused downtown left few places for pedestrians to rest or connect. The alliance transformed a corner near the local adult center into a conversational landscape with benches, a custom mosaic table and refreshed planters. A ribbon cutting drew nearby residents who praised the new seating and art. The space now encourages conversation and walkability. One resident said she was "thrilled" to finally have a place to sit during her daily walks, and the art element has sparked community engagement and future programming.

Project description was created using generative AI and then reviewed for accuracy.

Nearby AARP Community Challenge Projects

El Cajon, CA

AARP Community Challenge Grant Year: 2020

Project Category: Public or private transit access

Description: To help older adults in El Cajon's large Iraqi refugee community navigate the area's public transit system, Circulate San Diego created training materials in Arabic. Older adults in this community are more likely to suffer from PTSD and social isolation, with language and cultural barriers preventing many from comfortably leaving home. The training resources included a how-to video, as well as materials to help local high school students share information about transit basics with family members and neighbors. Circulate San Diego also created a transit map and brochures in Arabic. Project organizers say they hope the resources helps community members use transit as a mobility option -- and a way to regain independence.

San Diego, CA

AARP Community Challenge Grant Year: 2023

Project Category: Walkability

Description: Cracked and missing sidewalks in Webster Heights made walking unsafe for older adults and families. To address this, the organization led five walk audits with residents to document hazards and identify priority fixes. The effort united neighbors and produced detailed findings for curbs, gutters and sidewalks on key streets, plus plans for a traffic circle. "We could have a meet-and-greet and get more opinions to send to city council", one participant suggested, reflecting growing momentum for improvements and next steps that include funding applications and advocacy.

Project description was created using generative AI and then reviewed for accuracy.

LEARN MORE AND STAY INFORMED

Find articles and resources about making communities more livable for people of all ages

people icon

Download or order free publications from AARP Livable Communities

download icon

Sign up for the free, weekly, award-winning AARP Livable Communities eNewsletter

mail icon

Don't see your community listed?

LEARN HOW IT CAN JOIN THE NETWORK

Connect 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 California State Office

200 S. Los Robles Avenue
Suite 400
Pasadena, CA 91101
United States

Phone: 866-448-3615
Fax: 626-583-8500
Email: [email protected]