Gulfport, MS

AARP Community Challenge Grant Year: 2017

Project Category: Public place improvements to withstand extreme weather events

Description: After Hurricane Katrina nearly leveled the Bayou View West neighborhood in 2005, the Federal Emergency Management Agency bought out the remaining residents and handed the property over to the city. Today, the 40-acre tract is known as Brickyard Bayou Park. This project created the city's first dog park at the site. Known as the Bark Park, it attracted more than 200 people and dogs on its opening day in 2017. the space acts as a buffer -- if the area floods again, homes won't be at risk. And once the park dries out, people and pups can return. Since the Bark Park's creation, the City of Gulfport has added a kayak launch, a disc golf course, a nature trail and an outdoor classroom to Brickyard Bayou Park.

Hackensack, NJ

AARP Community Challenge Grant Year: 2023

Project Category: Public place improvements to withstand extreme weather events

Description: This project will provide dozens of rain barrels, as well as community education to help address future flooding. The rain barrels will be painted to serve as functional public art.

Davenport, OK

AARP Community Challenge Grant Year: 2024

Project Category: Public place improvements to withstand extreme weather events

Description: The town will provide portable generators and carbon monoxide detectors to older adult residents. This will keep residents -- especially those with electronic medical devices -- supplied with power during storms and other disasters.