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Des Moines Historical Society (2021) Print
2021 AARP Community Challenge Grantee
Project Category
Public places
└ Public space activation
└ Public space activation
In the early to mid-1900s, the Waveland Trolley was an integral part of Des Moines' transportation system yet has long since been replaced by more modern options. The Des Moines Historical Society's Waveland Trolley Project set out to commemorate the city's rich history by transforming a long-neglected space into a walkable outdoor transit museum. The park-like setting is located on the former site of the trolley loop, where streetcars would turn around at the end of their route. The outdoor museum features benches, bike racks, panels displaying historical information and a life-sized sculpture of the Waveland Trolley.
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Sacramento, CA
AARP Community Challenge Grant Year: 2024
Project Category: Public space activation
Description: Florin Road faced neglect and isolation, leaving older adults without safe, welcoming spaces. The museum led a multigenerational placemaking effort, installing ADA-accessible benches and painting murals inspired by Ndebele patterns. Older adults and youth collaborated on art projects, including tree wraps and a vibrant ground mural. Volunteers transformed the light rail station area as well. The project sparked a five-year plan for continued installations and was adopted into Sacramento Regional Transit's Art in Transit program, ensuring cultural expression and community engagement endure.
Project description was created using generative AI and then reviewed for accuracy.
Nevada, IA
AARP Community Challenge Grant Year: 2025
Project Category: Public space activation
Description: Main Street Nevada addressed the lack of comfortable, accessible places for residents to gather downtown, where limited shade and seating made it hard for older adults and people with physical limitations to spend time outdoors. An underused alleyway offered little reason to linger, even though it sat near everyday destinations. The project transformed the space into a functional patio by adding accessible seating, shade and a level surface that supports easier movement and rest. Picnic tables, umbrellas and plants helped define the area as a welcoming place to pause and connect. After opening, older adults and other residents began using the space for casual socializing, including nearby downtown residents, creating a new gathering spot that supports social connection.
Project description was created using generative AI and then reviewed for accuracy.
Corning, AR
AARP Community Challenge Grant Year: 2022
Project Category: Public space activation
Description: Wynn Park is home to a paved, tree-lined walking path, which members of the local Silver Sneakers walking club use frequently. However, that path lacked seating options. To increase accessibility for people of all ages and abilities, the City of Corning installed ADA-compliant benches along the walking track and on the nearby Clay County Courthouse grounds. Volunteers also beautified the courthouse campus by planting flowers. Organizers say the improvements give older adults places to rest that are welcoming and beautiful.
Nearby AARP Community Challenge Projects
Des Moines, IA
AARP Community Challenge Grant Year: 2020
Project Category: Accessory dwelling units, tiny homes and manufactured housing
Description: After the City of Des Moines updated its zoning to allow accessory dwelling units, HOME constructed the city's first ADU as a how-to demonstration for residents interested in building their own. After working with the City's planning and zoning department, the organization built the ADU on a vacant lot in the Oak Park neighborhood. The small, detached unit demonstrates an affordable housing option with benefits for a range of residents, from those who want to downsize but remain in their neighborhood, to families who need space for an aging parent, nanny or caregiver, to those looking to earn rental income. To garner community interest, HOME offered community walk-throughs and public viewings of the ADU. More Des Moines residents now have the option to add an ADU to their property. In 2022, the city council passed a measure expanding the areas where ADUs are permitted.
Des Moines, IA
AARP Community Challenge Grant Year: 2026
Project Category: Expanding High-Speed Internet
Description: The project will create a computer lab, provide small group digital training onsite, and access to Wi-Fi enabled devices. Older residents will learn online skills, avoid scams and connect with family and services.
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