AARP Hearing Center
AARP Livable Communities Map
City of Vinita (2018) Print
2018 AARP Community Challenge Grantee
Project Category
Public places
└ Public space activation
└ Public space activation
The City of Vinita set out to create a gathering place for the community to enjoy while making a positive economic impact on local commerce. Through the Route 66 Breezeway Project, they transformed a dark alley along historic Route 66 Main Street corridor into a well-lit, safe pathway. To allow people to gather in the breezeway, the City installed ADA-accessible benches and tables. Art displayed along the alley's walls allow the space to function as an outdoor gallery. The space connects to downtown Vinita, allowing visitors to walk to shops and restaurants there. For residents of new senior living apartments nearby, the area has created a welcoming, art-filled gathering space and enjoyable walking access to downtown. Today, the site hosts a seasonal farmers market, concerts, outdoor dining and meetings.
Photo Gallery
Image:
Click on a photo to learn more
See More Projects Like This One
Oakland, MS
AARP Community Challenge Grant Year: 2023
Project Category: Public space activation
Description: Oakland's center for older adults sat in an uninviting area with few options for outdoor activity. To change that, the Chamber converted a vacant slab into the town's first pickleball court and added a pocket park with benches, shade and lockers for equipment. Volunteers helped install fencing and signage, and lighting is underway to improve safety. The court has become a hub for social connection and exercise, especially for older adults living nearby. As one resident said, "I had never heard of pickleball. I can't wait to learn how to play."
Project description was created using generative AI and then reviewed for accuracy.
Hammond, LA
AARP Community Challenge Grant Year: 2023
Project Category: Public space activation
Description: Morrison Alley's pocket park had become overgrown and nearly unusable, leaving older adults and visitors without a safe, welcoming space downtown. The city cleared the area, added five tables including an ADA-accessible option, installed dwarf azaleas and mulch to protect the park's Live Oak and placed waste receptacles to keep it clean. Within hours of installation, residents were gathering for lunch and conversation. "I love it!" one visitor said, reflecting broad enthusiasm for the transformation. The city plans further ADA upgrades, ensuring the park remains a vibrant hub for community connection.
Project description was created using generative AI and then reviewed for accuracy.
Appleton, WI
AARP Community Challenge Grant Year: 2021
Project Category: Public space activation
Description: To give residents more spaces to gather and socialize, Creative Downtown Appleton created a parklet. Volunteers repurposed two on-street parking spaces to create the mini-park, which they outfitted with seating, tables and LED lighting. To make the space accessible to wheelchair users and parents with strollers, organizers installed a ramp. Additionally, they installed bike racks nearby. Visitors to the parklet are welcome to pick herbs for free, which Creative Downtown Appleton planted onsite. Project organizers say the space supports nearby businesses -- the parklet offers people an outdoor seating option so they can enjoy coffee or meals purchased locally.
Nearby AARP Community Challenge Projects
Nowata, OK
AARP Community Challenge Grant Year: 2022
Project Category: Public space activation
Description: An unused alley in downtown Nowata was transformed into a welcoming space for older adults and other residents to gather. The project added ADA-compliant benches and tables, flower beds, lighting, a modular stage and anchors for an outdoor movie screen. The alley now hosts events like movie nights and awareness programs, creating a consistent venue for community activities. One organizer noted that experiencing meaningful and fun activities now available will help the community come together.
Project description was created using generative AI and then reviewed for accuracy.
Bartlett, KS
AARP Community Challenge Grant Year: 2021
Project Category: Park enhancements
Description: As part of the City of Bartlett's efforts to revitalize its downtown, City leaders hoped to bring residents a new outdoor space. In 2008, the local land bank donated a Main Street parcel to the city for a new park. However, a lapse in funding left many areas of the long-planned green space underused. This project added a small shelter house, picnic tables and children's playground equipment to the park. A team of local multigenerational volunteers completed the work.
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 Oklahoma State Office
126 N Bryant Avenue
Edmond (Oklahoma City), OK 73034
United States