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The Conscious Connect (2024) Print
2024 AARP Community Challenge Grantee
Project Category
Public places
└ Public space activation
└ Public space activation
This project will transform four vacant lots into a recreational space for older adults. Amenities will include a walking path, tables, benches and a shelter house.
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Schenectady, NY
AARP Community Challenge Grant Year: 2022
Project Category: Public space activation
Description: A vacant lot connected two busy streets in Schenectady's Stockade District -- an area that also lacked places to sit. To take advantage of the space, the Downtown Schenectady Improvement Corporation activated it, dubbing the improved space Jay Square. They installed ADA-accessible benches and tables, flower boxes, overhead lighting and trash cans. New murals onsite act as "selfie stations," giving passersby the opportunity to snap a photo. To help visitors navigate to local landmarks, they also added wayfinding signage. Organizers say Jay Square demonstrated the importance of providing public space for the community. Today, the space hosts community events and local leaders are looking to replicate the activation in other parts of Schenectady.
Baltimore, MD
AARP Community Challenge Grant Year: 2022
Project Category: Public space activation
Description: Residents in West Baltimore lacked safe, welcoming spaces for connection, and older adults had few opportunities to engage in programs that fostered social ties. The organization transformed a neglected alley into a vibrant gathering space by installing a large outdoor library with built-in lighting, a rooftop planter and benched seating. For the first time, residents can sit and participate in programs like Storytime at The Oasis. The project improved safety and sparked excitement for literacy programming-residents are donating books and volunteering for readings-and is expected to strengthen intergenerational relationships and boost property values.
Project description was created using generative AI and then reviewed for accuracy.
Middleburgh, NY
AARP Community Challenge Grant Year: 2017
Project Category: Public space activation
Description: To make its parks and business district more accessible to a wide range of people, the Village of Middleburgh installed six benches and two multi-use tables. Village staff report those benches and tables proved useful during the COVID-19 pandemic when they provided older adults with a place for safe, outdoor activities. The project also attracted additional private and nonprofit donations for future improvements in Middleburgh and inspired plans for other accessibility projects, such as adding a wheelchair lift to the village hall.
Nearby AARP Community Challenge Projects
Dayton, OH
AARP Community Challenge Grant Year: 2020
Project Category: Park enhancements
Description: CityWide transformed a vacant lot into a new, more inviting entrance to Welcome Park in Dayton's Carillon neighborhood. The organization cleared overgrowth and dead trees from the site, replaced fencing and installed new informational signs. To give visitors a spot to rest, they placed benches along the park's walking path. CityWide also widened the entrance to conform to Americans with Disabilities Act accessibility standards. Throughout the project, CityWide gathered feedback and ideas from residents. A community-led branding effort informed the design of the park's new sign, as well as a dedication plaque honoring a local advocate. Project organizers say they hope this project serves as a model for meaningful community engagement as the community plans for future park improvements.
Kettering, OH
AARP Community Challenge Grant Year: 2025
Project Category: Bike Audits
Description: In several busy parts of Kettering, older adults and people with disabilities faced barriers when biking to everyday destinations such as community centers and parks. Without direct input from residents, these issues were easy to overlook in planning. Cycle Kettering addressed this by organizing four community bike audits that brought together residents, elected officials and city staff to examine routes on the ground. Participants used a city-developed app to document conditions with notes, photos and mapped locations, creating a detailed record of problem areas. Input from older adults and riders with disabilities shaped the findings. One participant living with a neuromuscular disorder highlighted access issues others might miss. The audits produced practical data that planners and engineers can reference as they consider future biking and walking improvements.
Project description was created using generative AI and then reviewed for accuracy.
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