Los Angeles, CA

AARP Community Challenge Grant Year: 2020

Project Category: Engaging residents in vibrant public places

Description: The Los Angeles State Historic Park's team wanted to figure out why older adults in the Chinese community were unlikely to visit the park, even though many live less than a half mile away. To increase engagement with this community, Los Angeles River State Park Partners connected with a key elder who helped with outreach efforts and translation. They then collected survey responses during a food distribution event, which provided information about park use and resource needs. Ahead of that event, they distributed flyers in Chinese advertising a giveaway of collapsible shopping carts. Interpreters were on hand during the gathering and the organization distributed nearly 500 bags of culturally appropriate produce. After the event, the River State Park Partners continued their engagement efforts by offering weekly Tai Chi classes. Project organizers say that since these efforts, more people have visited the park and taken advantage of its programs.

Tucson, AZ

AARP Community Challenge Grant Year: 2024

Project Category: Engaging residents in vibrant public places

Description: Older adults in Tucson face isolation and unsafe streets in a car-centric city. To counter this, the project turned .75 miles of Amphi neighborhood roads into a lively corridor for biking, walking and cultural exchange. The event featured a resource fair with health screenings and housing support, plus a holiday market showcasing refugee artisans. About 750 residents attended, nearly half age 50-plus, and older adults served as volunteers and ambassadors. Organizers created a Cyclovita Toolkit and multilingual outreach materials so neighborhoods can replicate the model. A local health institution pledged support for future events. One participant noted that his family can now easily visit the area, and his children and grandchildren can play safely.

Jackson, MS

AARP Community Challenge Grant Year: 2019

Project Category: Engaging residents in vibrant public places

Description: To recast public spaces for people rather than vehicle traffic, the City of Jackson launched an Open Streets initiative. First, the City installed a parklet -- a small park that fits in the footprint of a parking space. "The parklet is just one component of us trying to make Congress Street more pedestrian-friendly. This street was a very automobile-oriented street. It was very traffic heavy. It was very busy," urban designer Travis Crabree said. The City painted a mural onsite. To demarcate the space, project organizers also painted vibrant blue dots along the street, demarking it as a place to gather. Additionally, the City purchased picnic tables and flexible furniture, which it set out in Smith Park. Local organizations -- such as the Parks and Recreation Department -- can now use the furniture for downtown events.