AARP Hearing Center
AARP Livable Communities Map
See More Projects Like This One
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.
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.
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.
Nearby AARP Community Challenge Projects
Clarkdale, AZ
AARP Community Challenge Grant Year: 2026
Project Category: Public or private transit access
Description: Flashing crosswalk beacons and shaded transit stops will be installed along a key corridor. The improvements will create safer crossings between neighborhoods.
Cottonwood, AZ
AARP Community Challenge Grant Year: 2023
Project Category: Community Gardens
Description: Residents in transitional housing faced food insecurity and limited access to fresh produce, a concern for older adults who rarely had the chance to grow their own food. After construction setbacks, the coalition shifted plans and installed container gardens on a back deck. Despite pests and record heat, participants harvested tomatoes and peppers and learned basic gardening skills. The project sparked interest in self-reliance and created moments of connection. One volunteer said that quiet mornings in the garden helped him open up about personal struggles, leading to mental health support and steps toward employment.
Project description was created using generative AI and then reviewed for accuracy.
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 Arizona State Office
7250 N 16th Street
Suite 302
Phoenix, AZ 85020
United States