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City of Monmouth (2024) Print
2024 AARP Community Challenge Grantee
Project Category
Public places
└ Public space activation
└ Public space activation
Older adults lacked outdoor spaces near the Senior Community Center, limiting social interaction and visibility in downtown life. The city tested two temporary alley designs with seating, tables, planters and lighting, hosting events like Tai Chi and art parties to gather feedback. The alley now serves as a lively gathering spot, fostering nintergenerational engagement and shaping a permanent plan that includes shaded seating and rotating art displays. One visitor said, "Love, love, love it! Makes me so happy to utilize otherwise empty space."
Project description was created using generative AI and then reviewed for accuracy.
Project description was created using generative AI and then reviewed for accuracy.
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Pawtucket, RI
AARP Community Challenge Grant Year: 2019
Project Category: Public space activation
Description: To enable older adults to exercise, socialize and enjoy nature, Pawtucket's Division of Senior Services created an outdoor activity center at Leon Mathieu Senior Center. They installed seating, planters and two large outdoor tabletop game stations. Project organizers also created an age-friendly playground for low-impact exercise, adding fitness and recreational equipment. The Senior Center provides services and programs for adults 55 and older and aims to encourage healthy aging and keep older residents connected to the community.
Lynchburg, VA
AARP Community Challenge Grant Year: 2025
Project Category: Public space activation
Description: Residents wanted to use the Dunbar Community Schoolyard for walking and gathering, but unclear access and a lack of signage made the large campus feel uncertain and underused. The City of Lynchburg installed a pedestrian wayfinding system at key entrances, using clear, large-format signs to welcome public use and guide people through the space. The project helped residents understand how the schoolyard could be used outside school hours. Older adults shared memories tied to the campus and expressed renewed optimism about its future. The wayfinding system strengthened coordination among city staff, schools and residents and marked an early step toward broader improvements that support regular use of the space.
Project description was created using generative AI and then reviewed for accuracy.
Closter, NJ
AARP Community Challenge Grant Year: 2022
Project Category: Public space activation
Description: A barren alley in the downtown district left older adults without a safe, comfortable spot to rest while shopping or socializing. The borough converted the space into a pocket park with benches, plantings and solar lighting, creating a pleasant passageway between parking and local businesses. The park now hosts pop-up art events and serves as a meeting point for residents. "This charming pocket park provides respite for seniors and passersby to socialize, bringing the community together," said a local council member.
Project description was created using generative AI and then reviewed for accuracy.
Nearby AARP Community Challenge Projects
Independence, OR
AARP Community Challenge Grant Year: 2024
Project Category: Park enhancements
Description: Sunset Meadows Park lacked accessible play areas and seating, leaving older adults and families without safe spaces to gather. The city addressed this by installing nature play equipment, ADA swings, a hill slide and seating for small groups. It also added lighting and a safety surface for year-round use. Volunteers planted trees to add shade and improve water management. The upgrades created an active, age-friendly space that encourages outdoor activity and social connection while strengthening the city's park network. The Mayor said, "This park is a reminder of what we can accomplish together."
Project description was created using generative AI and then reviewed for accuracy.
Salem, OR
AARP Community Challenge Grant Year: 2022
Project Category: Public space activation
Description: Older adults and residents with mobility challenges in Salem lacked inclusive outdoor spaces for gardening and social engagement. The project created an accessible garden with ADA-compliant benches, raised beds and pathways, and hosted a groundbreaking event to introduce multigenerational gardening. The space now supports outdoor classes and community gatherings that alleviate isolation and foster connections. "As I've seen the garden space since the groundbreaking event, it looks more like a community gathering space than the area did prior to the updates," said a participant.
Project description was created using generative AI and then reviewed for accuracy.
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