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City of Mount Airy (2024) Print
2024 AARP Community Challenge Grantee
Project Category
Public places
└ Public space activation
└ Public space activation
Market Street lacked accessible seating and amenities, limiting its appeal for older adults and reducing opportunities for social interaction. The city installed picnic tables, two fully accessible benches, bike racks, recycling containers and decorative lighting to create a welcoming plaza. These upgrades encourage outdoor dining, leisure and mobility for people of all ages. Residents and business owners praised the changes for making the area more inviting. The city plans to promote the space for festivals and events, ensuring continued use and intergenerational appeal.
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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Coamo, PR
AARP Community Challenge Grant Year: 2024
Project Category: Public space activation
Description: When a rural school closed, community groups, many of which were led by older adults, lost a safe place to meet. This contributed to limited education and social connection. Age-Friendly Coamo renovated two classrooms into multipurpose rooms by adding tables, chairs, kitchen equipment and technology. This has led to its increased use for workshops and events. The space now hosts seven organizations and offers free access for older adults to learn, connect and plan services. Leaders expect the hub to double as a resilience center during emergencies, providing food, power and medical supply storage.
Project description was created using generative AI and then reviewed for accuracy.
Ronceverte, WV
AARP Community Challenge Grant Year: 2020
Project Category: Public space activation
Description: To give residents an outdoor space to gather, this project set out to create a pocket park in downtown Ronceverte. Organizers poured topsoil to level out the site and added benches and raised flower beds. A mural is also planned for the site.
Lemmon, SD
AARP Community Challenge Grant Year: 2024
Project Category: Public space activation
Description: Older adults in Lemmon lacked accessible spaces to rest or gather, and the Palace Theater offered no easy entry for those with mobility challenges. To address this, the arts council installed a movable parklet with seating and a ramp, creating a welcoming spot for walkers and hosting monthly arts events like wool-spinning workshops and live music during the town celebration. The project proved the value of public gathering spaces, sparking plans for permanent bump-outs and green space.
Project description was created using generative AI and then reviewed for accuracy.
Nearby AARP Community Challenge Projects
Mount Airy, NC
AARP Community Challenge Grant Year: 2019
Project Category: Park enhancements
Description: Mount Airy Parks and Recreation installed decorative benches and bike racks, planted trees and improved signage along the Granite City Greenway to make the area more accessible and user-friendly for people of all ages. Already the most-used outdoor recreation facility in town, the visits to the Greenway increased more than 30 percent since the COVID-19 pandemic. Project organizers report that visitors use the benches and bike racks on a daily basis. They say exposure for this project helped secure local funding and made the greenway more visible tourists. Work is now underway to expand the Greenway by 1.3 miles.
Fries, VA
AARP Community Challenge Grant Year: 2023
Project Category: Community Gardens
Description: Older adult residents in Fries faced limited access to fresh produce and few opportunities for physical activity, often having to choose between healthy food and fitness. The town transformed an empty lot beside the farmers market into a garden with six raised beds, landscaping and ADA-compliant benches. Materials for soil and tools were purchased to prepare for spring planting. The project sparked excitement among group members, creating a space for social engagement and healthier eating. Plans include annual expansion and community fundraisers. One participant noted the garden will help them stay active and afford nutritious food.
Project description was created using generative AI and then reviewed for accuracy.
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