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City of Rock Hill (2023) Print
2023 AARP Community Challenge Grantee
Project Category
Public places
└ Public space activation
└ Public space activation
Garden classes for older adults were in high demand, but without an on-site space, participants lacked hands-on experience. The city transformed a courtyard into a pollinator garden by clearing invasive plants, preparing soil and installing beds, a bench and educational signage. Lifelong Learning participants helped plant and maintain the garden, which now enriches classes and fosters community engagement. One volunteer even signed up as a future instructor, showing how the project sparked new connections and expanded opportunities for experiential learning.
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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See More Projects Like This One
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.
Imperial, NE
AARP Community Challenge Grant Year: 2021
Project Category: Public space activation
Description: A vacant lot in the heart of Imperial's downtown had been an eyesore for decades. To put the space to better use, the City of Imperial activated the space, creating a new pocket park. Volunteers helped create several murals onsite and installed a mosaic dragon sculpture, designed to double as a play structure for children. Using upcycled existing picnic tables and railroad ties, they also created a circular seating area, dubbed the chatroom. Local elementary school students and residents of an assisted living facility teamed up to paint tiles to decorate outdoor sectional couch. And volunteers laid down artificial turf -- a material chosen to make the mini-park easy to maintain. Raised flower beds completed the space. Since the mini-park's completion, organizers say community members continue to brainstorm ways to improve the pocket park, which they say has revitalized Imperial's arts scene.
Mobile, AL
AARP Community Challenge Grant Year: 2020
Project Category: Public space activation
Description: Organizers with Via Health, Fitness and Enrichment Center envisioned a community green space where Mobile residents of all ages can interact. This project added two gazebos to the space, providing visitors with shade. Project organizers also installed a bike rack and dog watering station onsite and volunteers constructed a raised garden bed for growing flowers, herbs and vegetables. Since the transformation, Midtown Meets has become a meetup spot for local walking and biking clubs, a space for college students to take study breaks and a place for older adults to socialize. In addition, a new volunteer group, called Midtown Neighbors, continues to meet to work in the community garden beds.
Nearby AARP Community Challenge Projects
Rock Hill, SC
AARP Community Challenge Grant Year: 2025
Project Category: Lifelong housing and accessibility
Description: The Housing Development Corporation addressed home safety risks that made it harder for older adults to remain in their homes as mobility needs changed. Limited access to small but critical modifications, such as bathroom supports and safe entryways, increased fall risk and daily strain. The project installed grab bars and transition mats in several homes, with volunteers assisting to ensure installations were safe and functional. The work also launched an "Aging in Place" program and established partnerships with local groups to help identify needs and extend outreach. One homeowner shared, "Now that I have the grab bar, it makes it much easier to get my husband and his wheelchair in and out of our home." These immediate improvements made daily tasks safer while creating a framework for ongoing home accessibility support beyond the initial installations.
Project description was created using generative AI and then reviewed for accuracy.
Fort Lawn, SC
AARP Community Challenge Grant Year: 2022
Project Category: Public space activation
Description: In a rural area with few recreational options and high rates of chronic disease, the Center created an ADA-compliant mini park with picnic tables, benches, bike racks and a gazebo with swings. Concrete paths improved wheelchair access, and signage guided visitors. The space now hosts multigenerational activities, from picnics for older adults to pop-up markets. One resident said, "It's good for my soul to be able to just come sit out here with friends. We're safe and it's beautiful."
Project description was created using generative AI and then reviewed for accuracy.
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