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City of Morrilton Parks and Recreation (2018) Print
2018 AARP Community Challenge Grantee
Project Category
Public places
└ Public space activation
└ Public space activation
With the addition of several new hammocks near Morrilton's nature trail and park, the Parks and Recreation Department provided a place for all ages to pause, lean back and relax. According to the City, the installation has led drivers to slow down to look at the hammock farm, with some visitors trying out hammocks for the first time.
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Perryville, MO
AARP Community Challenge Grant Year: 2025
Project Category: Public space activation
Description: Downtown Perryville Advancement addressed a basic but persistent barrier to walkability: the lack of clear, non-digital wayfinding in the downtown core. For older adults who prefer physical maps or have limited access to smartphones, finding shops, restaurants and everyday services could be frustrating and discouraging. The project installed a permanent wayfinding sign at a key pedestrian intersection, clearly marking directions to downtown destinations and allowing people to orient themselves at a glance. Community members noted they discovered businesses and attractions they had not realized were nearby. The sign now supports easier navigation, greater confidence and a willingness to park once and walk, reinforcing downtown as a place older adults can move through independently and comfortably.
Project description was created using generative AI and then reviewed for accuracy.
Beaver Dam, WI
AARP Community Challenge Grant Year: 2019
Project Category: Public space activation
Description: The City of Beaver Dam wanted to showcase its downtown Mural Walking Tour. To do this, they added benches along the route, allowing visitors to rest and interact with each other. The walking tour showcases 17 historical murals depicting 19th century business operations and notable Beaver Dam residents, including World War II glider pilot Harold Rief and science fiction author Raymond Z. Gallon. The City installed one six-foot-long, accessible bench near each mural on the walk. Additionally, they distributed mural tour maps to businesses and offices downtown. Project organizers report the seating has contributed to more pedestrian activity in the area. They also say the new benches have inspired private donations to purchase seating for other parts of downtown.
Orleans Parish, LA
AARP Community Challenge Grant Year: 2020
Project Category: Public space activation
Description: This project set out to improve New Orleans' St. Roch neighborhood by replacing an underused area with green spacce. Organizers hoped to provide a spot for people of all ages to socialize outdoors and care for a green space. In addition to giving the community a safe place to gather, the space is meant to give residents access to fruit and nut trees.
Nearby AARP Community Challenge Projects
Morrilton, AR
AARP Community Challenge Grant Year: 2022
Project Category: Public space activation
Description: Organizers with Action Services noticed that many participants in their day program faced solitary, sedentary lives at home. So they set out to create an outdoor therapy and gathering space, designed to be accessible to people of all ages and abilities. First, volunteers poured a concrete slab to serve as a play surface. They then added a basketball hoop and oversized checkerboard painted on the pavement. They also installed benches and picnic tables onsite. To give community members access to fresh, healthy produce, they set up garden boxes for growing fruits and vegetables and planted fruit trees. Organizers say the improvements have led to more older adults spending time outdoors, actively participating in activities.
Springfield, AR
AARP Community Challenge Grant Year: 2026
Project Category: Public space improvements to increase high-speed internet availability
Description: A combined community garden and digital learning hub will be created for older adults. The space will support gardening, technology use and social connection.
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