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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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Newark, DE
AARP Community Challenge Grant Year: 2025
Project Category: Public space activation
Description: This project will install outdoor speakers in the Food Bank of Delaware's public gardens in Milford and Newark. The sound system will create a peaceful and connected community space for all visitors, especially older adults.
Schenectady, NY
AARP Community Challenge Grant Year: 2022
Project Category: Public space activation
Description: A vacant lot connected two busy streets in Schenectady's Stockade District -- an area that also lacked places to sit. To take advantage of the space, the Downtown Schenectady Improvement Corporation activated it, dubbing the improved space Jay Square. They installed ADA-accessible benches and tables, flower boxes, overhead lighting and trash cans. New murals onsite act as "selfie stations," giving passersby the opportunity to snap a photo. To help visitors navigate to local landmarks, they also added wayfinding signage. Organizers say Jay Square demonstrated the importance of providing public space for the community. Today, the space hosts community events and local leaders are looking to replicate the activation in other parts of Schenectady.
Green River, UT
AARP Community Challenge Grant Year: 2021
Project Category: Public space activation
Description: As Epicenter worked to complete its Canal Commons affordable housing development, organizers set out to create an accessible greenspace for future residents. Located in the desert city of Green River, the pocket neighborhood lacks access to walking trails, sidewalks and parks. To address this, Epicenter installed concrete walkways. To allow residents to gather outdoors at night -- and avoid the hot, desert sun -- organizers installed LED lighting along the path. Wayfinding signage helps residents navigate the path, as well as the larger neighborhood. The space also features a picnic table, ADA-compliant benches and raised garden beds. Epicenter prioritized universal design elements for the greenspace to ensure people can age in place at Canal Commons.
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.
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