AARP Hearing Center
AARP Livable Communities Map
City Heights Community Development Corporation (2018) Print
2018 AARP Community Challenge Grantee
Project Category
Public places
└ Public space activation
└ Public space activation
Part of Vision Zero work to reduce pedestrian fatalities, City Heights CDC worked to create a sense of space and improve safety at a dangerous intersection. The City Heights neighborhood is an enclave for refugees from Somalia and other East African countries. Residents -- particularly those 50 or older -- often gather in parking lots and on sidewalks at the busy area along University Avenue, which home to shops, markets and mosques. This placemaking project created a safe gathering space, separated from vehicle traffic. Working with residents' input, the CDC designed the space to reflect the neighborhood's culture. They installed seating, planter and tables with board game tops and painted a mural onsite. Organizers say the space helps combat social isolation and is a catalyst for investment in the neighborhood.
Photo Gallery
Image:
Click on a photo to learn more
See More Projects Like This One
Rugby, ND
AARP Community Challenge Grant Year: 2025
Project Category: Public space activation
Description: This project will enhance a park with seasonal decor, benches and a mural to create an appealing gathering space. These updates aim to make the area more walkable and inviting.
Liberty, KY
AARP Community Challenge Grant Year: 2024
Project Category: Public space activation
Description: The library will create a story walk -- a series of displays along an accessible path designed to display pages from a storybook. The project responds to local grandparents' requests for more activities they can do with their grandchildren.
Devens, MA
AARP Community Challenge Grant Year: 2021
Project Category: Public space activation
Description: As part of larger efforts to create a community space that honors veterans, Clear Path for Veterans added Adirondack chairs and tables to the Devens Memorial Courtyard. Project organizers hope the space offers visitors the opportunity to sit and quietly reflect on those who have served the nation. The new seating is also set up to facilitate private, face-to-face mental health and integrative wellness coaching sessions -- ensuring veterans and their health care providers had a safe, outdoor space to meet during the COVID-19 pandemic. Since installing the seating, Clear Path for Veterans has used the courtyard to host meetings with veterans and mental health professionals, as well as community meals and vaccination clinics.
Nearby AARP Community Challenge Projects
San Diego, CA
AARP Community Challenge Grant Year: 2022
Project Category: Community Gardens
Description: This project turned a patch of dirt in Linda Vista Community Park into a garden. Today, the site provided produce for a local environmental learning center. The garden also serves as an alternative food source in an area that's considered a food desert.
San Diego, CA
AARP Community Challenge Grant Year: 2022
Project Category: Community Gardens
Description: This project turned an overgrown lot at the Park de la Cruz Community Center into a garden with raised flower beds and accessible seating.
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 California State Office
200 S. Los Robles Avenue
Suite 400
Pasadena, CA 91101
United States