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DC Greens (2021) Print
2021 AARP Community Challenge Grantee
Project Category
Public places
└ Public space activation
└ Public space activation
The Well at Oxon Run, a 1.5-acre farm, outdoor classroom and community space, has been a huge asset for the Congress Heights neighborhood. The Well, however, lacked a waterproof, covered area for events and classes. DC Greens added a roof to the Well's wood-framed pavilion, creating a comfortable venue that is usable year-round. Following the roof's installation, the space has hosted yoga, chi gong and body therapy classes, as well as community drum circles and other events.
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Newark, DE
AARP Community Challenge Grant Year: 2025
Project Category: Public space activation
Description: This project will install outdoor speakers in the Food Bank of Delaware's public gardens in Milford and Newark. The sound system will create a peaceful and connected community space for all visitors, especially older adults.
Ronceverte, WV
AARP Community Challenge Grant Year: 2020
Project Category: Public space activation
Description: To give residents an outdoor space to gather, this project set out to create a pocket park in downtown Ronceverte. Organizers poured topsoil to level out the site and added benches and raised flower beds. A mural is also planned for the site.
Macon, MS
AARP Community Challenge Grant Year: 2022
Project Category: Public space activation
Description: Older adults in Macon lacked a central space for civic engagement. To combat this, the historical society repurposed its Welcome Center into a community hub. The project added kitchen appliances and A/V equipment and hosted events like community town halls, workshops and holiday programs. Volunteers supported activities and outreach, helping attract hundreds of residents. As one board member shared, "AARP enabled the Society to broaden its perspective; welcome our entire community; and reach higher in its goals." The center now anchors inclusive gatherings and economic development efforts.
Nearby AARP Community Challenge Projects
Washington, DC
AARP Community Challenge Grant Year: 2021
Project Category: Engaging residents alongside thought leaders in problem solving
Description: The George Washington University Center for Aging, Health and Humanities held a one-day Age-Friendly Social Innovation Challenge. Leaders from GWU, Georgetown University, Age-Friendly Washington, D.C., Arlington County, Va., Alexandria, Va. and Montgomery County, Md. Convened to tackle local problems relating to housing, transportation, civic participation and other topics. The event generated strategies to improve age-friendly infrastructure throughout the metropolitan area. Following the event, organizers compiled an online repository of educational resources, as well as information about intergenerational programming.
Washington, DC
AARP Community Challenge Grant Year: 2025
Project Category: Walk Audits
Description: This project will launch a community walkability and safety initiative to assess and improve pedestrian infrastructure. It aims to enhance mobility by identifying needed sidewalk and crosswalk improvements.
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