See More Projects Like This One

Readfield, ME

AARP Community Challenge Grant Year: 2021

Project Category: Public space activation

Description: Organizers with Age-Friendly Readfield knew their town was in need of a facelift. To help meet the needs of residents facing food insecurity, they provided a local food bank with a sandwich sign board, rolling delivery cart and new cooler. They also upgraded the town library's outdoor space by adding Adirondack chairs and tables. Finally, they provided chairs and a kayak dock for Readfield's beach. A multigenerational group of volunteers cleaned up both the library park and beach. Organizers say these same volunteers will now be involved in programming at both outdoor spaces.

Dunedin, FL

AARP Community Challenge Grant Year: 2022

Project Category: Public space activation

Description: This project added universal-access picnic tables to the playground at the library. It also created a story walk with signage explaining the city's history and other distinctions.

West Chester, PA

AARP Community Challenge Grant Year: 2022

Project Category: Public space activation

Description: The West Chester library's terrace was an empty walkway, leaving older adults without a safe outdoor space to read, socialize or access Wi-Fi. The project installed three permanent tables with seating, including an ADA-accessible option, added umbrellas for shade and a security camera for safety. The terrace now hosts programs and casual gatherings, expanding the librarys footprint. One ukulele club member said, "Finally, this beautiful terrace can be enjoyed!"

Project description was created using generative AI and then reviewed for accuracy.

Nearby AARP Community Challenge Projects

Cut Bank, MT

AARP Community Challenge Grant Year: 2022

Project Category: Park enhancements

Description: Cut Bank's dog park lacked shade, seating and accessible paths, leaving older adults with few options for safe outdoor recreation. The city added an ADA-compliant paved walking path, benches and shaded structures, creating a level route for older adults and people with mobility challenges. Signage and outreach raised awareness, turning the park into a gathering place for residents and their pets. Residents from nearby housing now use the space regularly, and one person shared during Walktoberfest that they appreciated "a level walking path... not linear so could walk for as long or short a time as they wanted."

Project description was created using generative AI and then reviewed for accuracy.

Browning, MT

AARP Community Challenge Grant Year: 2018

Project Category: Public space activation

Description: This project enhanced the Eagle Shield Senior Center's outdoor space, adding canopy swings, as well as fencing and landscaping. Project organizers hope the outdoor area becomes an age-friendly gathering space, giving Blackfeet elders a place to share their culture and language with each other -- and with future generations.

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