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City of Oklahoma City (2021) | AARP Livable Communities Map

City of Oklahoma City (2021) Print

2021 AARP Community Challenge Grantee

Project Category

Disaster Resilience
└ Public place improvements to withstand extreme weather events

An Oklahoma County study showed many residents rely on public water systems that have been cited for health violations. Oklahoma City officials hoped green infrastructure could help resolve water quality issues for downstream communities. So the City converted two flowerbeds in a local park in to rain gardens -- also known as bioswales. During heavy rains, the swales collect stormwater runoff from a nearby parking lot and divert it back into the ground, rather than into the municipal sewer system. This helps remove pollutants before they reach the local watershed. Project organizers say they hope the pilot allows Oklahoma City to become a leader in green infrastructure. They have planned to add more bioswales throughout the community in the future.

Sedona, AZ

AARP Community Challenge Grant Year: 2026

Project Category: Public place improvements to withstand extreme weather events

Description: Neighborhood wildfire readiness education and property assessments will be delivered. Residents will gain practical tools to understand risk and plan improvements.

Aberdeen, ID

AARP Community Challenge Grant Year: 2026

Project Category: Public place improvements to withstand extreme weather events

Description: Emergency shelter equipment will be installed at the fire station to support residents during outages and disasters. A safe location with power, meals and supplies will help people avoid dangerous conditions.

Arecibo, PR

AARP Community Challenge Grant Year: 2026

Project Category: Public place improvements to withstand extreme weather events

Description: An outdoor gathering area will include solar-powered medical storage, raised garden beds, seating and shared digital access tools. The space will support day-to-day connection while improving safety during frequent power outages.

Oklahoma City, OK

AARP Community Challenge Grant Year: 2026

Project Category: Transportation Other

Description: Curb extensions, bike lanes, crossings and parklets will be added to demonstrate how street safety can be improved. These trials will improve short-term safety while helping the region gather feedback before permanent street changes.

Bethany, OK

AARP Community Challenge Grant Year: 2026

Project Category: Public space activation

Description: The city will add benches, shade structures and bleachers near pickleball courts in a public park. These features will provide older adults with comfortable places to rest, watch games and spend more time outdoors with others.

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AARP Oklahoma State Office

126 N Bryant Avenue
Edmond (Oklahoma City), OK 73034
United States

Phone: 866-295-7277
Fax: 405-844-7772
Email: [email protected]