Mobile, AL

AARP Community Challenge Grant Year: 2020

Project Category: Public space activation

Description: Organizers with Via Health, Fitness and Enrichment Center envisioned a community green space where Mobile residents of all ages can interact. This project added two gazebos to the space, providing visitors with shade. Project organizers also installed a bike rack and dog watering station onsite and volunteers constructed a raised garden bed for growing flowers, herbs and vegetables. Since the transformation, Midtown Meets has become a meetup spot for local walking and biking clubs, a space for college students to take study breaks and a place for older adults to socialize. In addition, a new volunteer group, called Midtown Neighbors, continues to meet to work in the community garden beds.

St. Mary, LA

AARP Community Challenge Grant Year: 2025

Project Category: Public space activation

Description: The Rivercane Senior Center lacked a safe outdoor space where older adults could spend time outside, gather comfortably and stay connected to community life. The project added raised-bed gardens, seating, solar lights and a concrete slab with a full-cover canopy that created a protected area for activity and social interaction. These improvements made it easier for older adults to be outdoors and opened new opportunities for intergenerational volunteering. The space is expected to support more physical activity and social engagement, and one resident has already expressed eagerness to start gardening when weather allows. Future additions such as new lighting, fans and running water will help the area function year-round and strengthen long-term use.

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

Madison, MN

AARP Community Challenge Grant Year: 2026

Project Category: Public space activation

Description: Improvements at the community skating rink will add an accessible exterior door, covered ADA-compliant seating and secure storage. These upgrades will residents to comfortably watch activities, stay sheltered from weather and remain connected.