AARP Hearing Center
AARP Livable Communities Map
City of Imperial (2021) Print
2021 AARP Community Challenge Grantee
Project Category
Public places
└ Public space activation
└ Public space activation
A vacant lot in the heart of Imperial's downtown had been an eyesore for decades. To put the space to better use, the City of Imperial activated the space, creating a new pocket park. Volunteers helped create several murals onsite and installed a mosaic dragon sculpture, designed to double as a play structure for children. Using upcycled existing picnic tables and railroad ties, they also created a circular seating area, dubbed the chatroom. Local elementary school students and residents of an assisted living facility teamed up to paint tiles to decorate outdoor sectional couch. And volunteers laid down artificial turf -- a material chosen to make the mini-park easy to maintain. Raised flower beds completed the space. Since the mini-park's completion, organizers say community members continue to brainstorm ways to improve the pocket park, which they say has revitalized Imperial's arts scene.
Photo Gallery
Image:
Click on a photo to learn more
See More Projects Like This One
Central Falls, RI
AARP Community Challenge Grant Year: 2022
Project Category: Public space activation
Description: Central Falls has little green space and faces heat and health challenges, leaving older adults without safe outdoor areas. The project revitalized Phillips Street Park with raised garden beds, a paved patio, shade structure and seating, including chess tables and benches. A musical play feature was added for children, creating a multigenerational space for gardening, learning and socializing. One 50-plus neighbor said that she thought this park and the project itself was exactly what Central Falls needed, reflecting strong community support.
Earle, AR
AARP Community Challenge Grant Year: 2025
Project Category: Public space activation
Description: This project will enhance a community center into an accessible facility for older adults, featuring mobility-friendly equipment, digital literacy resources, and an expanded food pantry.
Dulce, NM
AARP Community Challenge Grant Year: 2025
Project Category: Public space activation
Description: This project will add an accessible walking path, shaded seating, picnic areas and fruit trees. This project aims to promote health, social engagement, and nutrition for older adults.
Nearby AARP Community Challenge Projects
Haigler, NE
AARP Community Challenge Grant Year: 2020
Project Category: Accessibility of amenities
Description: The Haigler Community Foundation upgraded a restroom in Cornerstone Museum to comply with Americans with Disabilities Act standards for accessibility. Improvements included adding a Braille sign with accessible symbols, a stool, four grab bars, a new sink and a coat rack. The village uses its museum complex for community activities, including the annual Tumbleweed Festival.
Haigler, NE
AARP Community Challenge Grant Year: 2022
Project Category: Park enhancements
Description: A pair of neglected tennis courts left residents without a safe space for recreation. The project cleaned and repaired the area, added basketball hoops, a tennis net and a pickleball court, and installed ADA-compliant benches and a community bulletin board. The revitalized courts now host multigenerational activities and complement wellness programs nearby. "I didn't even know what pickleball was, but you know what-let's try it," said one older resident, reflecting renewed enthusiasm for active living.
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 Nebraska State Office
301 S. 13th Street
Suite 201
Lincoln, NE 68508
United States