See More Projects Like This One

East St. Louis, IL

AARP Community Challenge Grant Year: 2021

Project Category: Public space activation

Description: As part of its efforts to boost public transit use and spart economic development around transit stations, Citizens for Modern Transit activated the Emerson Park light rail and bus station in East St. Louis. To choose a theme for the station and ensure the new amenities would meet the community's needs, project organizers held design workers and other community engagement events. They then installed new seating, shade structures and a sound system to pipe music into the space. A local artist collaborated with community members to create pavement art and a mural, which pay tribute to the area's musical history. Organizers say they hope the new space promotes creative play, cultivates community and encourages people to ride public transit.

Wilmington, DE

AARP Community Challenge Grant Year: 2021

Project Category: Engaging people in transportation options/safety

Description: While Wilmington has a thriving bike culture, it lacks bicycle and pedestrian infrastructure to connect all parts of the community. To raise awareness of this issue, Urban Bike Project held four open streets events, which closed busy streets to vehicle traffic in different neighborhoods of the city. The reclaimed street space allowed residents to enjoy musical performances, play tennis in the road, pedal free rental bikes, register to vote, get caught up on vaccinations and receive fresh produce and recipes. Additionally, attendees shared their ideas for making streets safer with University of Delaware Living Labs volunteers. The Urban Bike Project plans to use their feedback to inform transportation projects that serve Wilmington residents, many of whom aren't always included in decision-making processes.

Sacramento, CA

AARP Community Challenge Grant Year: 2023

Project Category: Engaging residents in vibrant public places

Description: This project will transform a park by staging a vibrant pop-up community celebration and organizing workshops where older adults can become involved in decisions about how to improve their community.

Nearby AARP Community Challenge Projects

Dutchess County, NY

AARP Community Challenge Grant Year: 2020

Project Category: Community Health and Economic Empowerment

Description: During the COVID-19 pandemic, many older adults faced social isolation. To address this, the United Way of the Dutchess-Orange Region enlisted local young people to write cards to homebound community members. The organization hosted several virtual letter writing parties. During the online gatherings, project organizers gave the letter writers tips for how to engage with older adults in daily life, such as how to check-in on a neighbor, help deliver groceries or offer to shovel snow. Volunteers then delivered the cards along with care packages containing essential items, such as hygiene kits and food. Even as the pandemic lifted, the United way has continued to host its letter writing parties with the goal of fostering intergenerational relationships and social connectedness.

Kingston, NY

AARP Community Challenge Grant Year: 2019

Project Category: Park enhancements

Description: The City of Kingston installed two chess tables with seating at its waterfront T.R. Gallo Wes Strand Park. Dubbed a chess playground, the facilities are meant to allow people of all generations to play chess or checkers. In addition to tables and benches, the City added an accessible, concrete sidewalk and improved landscaping onsite. With the arrival of the COVID-19 pandemic, the new tables gave residents a safe, outdoor space to gather.

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