AARP Hearing Center
AARP Livable Communities Map
City of Oaks Foundation (2017) Print
2017 AARP Community Challenge Grantee
Project Category
Public places
└ Public space activation
└ Public space activation
As part of efforts to set up a new community center at a donated house, the City of Oaks Foundation purchased furnishings and equipment to host events onsite. To get the property ready, the Foundation hosted several volunteer days, where community members helped restore trails and clear underbrush onsite. In the months that followed, programming at the Joslin House and Garden ranged from plein air painting, art showings, a nature event featuring live owls and other creatures, a mother-grandmother tea, gardening workshops and a lecture on World Way I history. Project organizers say these events -- and others -- have helped with fundraising efforts as work on the house and surrounding gardens continues. The Foundation estimates more than 400 visitors each year have attended events in the community space, with many others visiting to stroll the property.
Photo Gallery
Image:
Click on a photo to learn more
See More Projects Like This One
Lebanon, IN
AARP Community Challenge Grant Year: 2022
Project Category: Public space activation
Description: To help older adults attend the dozens of events The Heart of Lebanon stages downtown each year, this project provided seating and personal umbrellas (including ones that can be used as a cane) on-site.
Pendleton, IN
AARP Community Challenge Grant Year: 2023
Project Category: Public space activation
Description: This project will develop a pocket park that will bring local school students and older adults engaged in storytelling and experience-sharing events.
Warrensburg, MO
AARP Community Challenge Grant Year: 2020
Project Category: Public space activation
Description: To activate an alley in Warrensburg's downtown, this project installed seating, lighting, planters and public art in the space. Local artists created a mural and painted an outdoor staircase that connects the alley to a nearby parking lot. Additionally, the local United Way worked with local elementary students to create decorative ceramic tiles, which they attached to the alley's planters. Project organizers hope to continue partnering with local schools to create art for the community. They also plan to hold events in the alley.
Nearby AARP Community Challenge Projects
Raleigh, NC
AARP Community Challenge Grant Year: 2024
Project Category: Bike Audits
Description: This project will introduce annual bike audits in several Raleigh neighborhoods where many older adults live. The organization will recruit adults age 50 and older to help gather data, plan the audits and advocate for safer biking conditions.
Wake Forest, NC
AARP Community Challenge Grant Year: 2025
Project Category: Walk Audits
Description: This project will conduct five walk audits over five months. Older volunteers will assist and present findings to the Town. Results will be included in the Age-Friendly Action Plan.
LEARN MORE AND STAY INFORMED
Find articles and resources about making communities more livable for people of all ages
Download or order free publications from AARP Livable Communities
Sign up for the free, weekly, award-winning AARP Livable Communities eNewsletter
Don't see your community listed?
LEARN HOW IT CAN JOIN THE NETWORKConnect with your AARP State Office
AARP has offices in all 50 states as well as in the District of Columbia, Puerto Rico and the U.S. Virgin Islands.
AARP North Carolina State Office
5511 Capital Center Drive
Suite 400
Raleigh, NC 27606
United States