AARP Hearing Center
AARP Livable Communities Map
Destination Downtown South Boston Inc. (2024) Print
2024 AARP Community Challenge Grantee
Project Category
Public places
└ Public space activation
└ Public space activation
A neglected alley linking Main Street to the farmers market posed safety risks and lacked seating, limiting access for older adults. The project transformed it into a welcoming connector by grading the surface, adding ADA-compliant benches and constructing a ramp and steps for accessibility. Local artisans fabricated custom metal benches, and lighting and art installations are planned to enhance the space. The improved alley now offers a safe, social area for gatherings and easier market access. Older adults expressed excitement about having a place to sit and participate in activities, calling it "a great addition to downtown".
Project description was created using generative AI and then reviewed for accuracy.
Project description was created using generative AI and then reviewed for accuracy.
Photo Gallery
Image:
Click on a photo to learn more
See More Projects Like This One
Richmond, VA
AARP Community Challenge Grant Year: 2021
Project Category: Public space activation
Description: To increase residents' access to outdoor greenspace and bolster the local economy, Richmond Venture created the Brooklyn Park Boulevard parklet. Located in a primarily Black-owned business corridor, the mini-park sites in the footprint of an on-street parking space. Volunteers outfitted the space with seating and tables, giving visitors a place to relax and socialize. Organizers say the space encourages residents to purchase food and beverages from nearby restaurants, which they can eat onsite. To encourage people to visit, Venture Richmond also installed a bike rack nearby.
St. Louis, MO
AARP Community Challenge Grant Year: 2022
Project Category: Public space activation
Description: The North Hanley Transit Center had long lacked seating, shade and visual appeal, creating an unwelcoming environment for riders. The project added benches with backs and armrests, canopies, colorful pavement art and murals, along with updated shelters and wayfinding. These improvements made the station more comfortable and inviting, and have prompted further investment and discussions of large-scale development. As one transit operator noted, "This station looks fresh and inviting. The seats are great and riders seem so much happier."
Seymour, IN
AARP Community Challenge Grant Year: 2022
Project Category: Public space activation
Description: In a neighborhood where many older adults face food insecurity and health risks, pantry visitors often waited outside for hours without shelter, sometimes leading to medical emergencies. The project installed a permanent awning to provide protection and dignity, added a mural to brighten the space and foster pride and distributed Spanish-language outreach cards to connect residents with services. These changes made waiting safer and encouraged more people to seek help. "On really busy days, if it were raining, we wouldn't even attend... now we feel comfortable," said one couple.
Nearby AARP Community Challenge Projects
Boydton, VA
AARP Community Challenge Grant Year: 2023
Project Category: Walkability
Description: Boydton's Tobacco Heritage Trail was seen as unsafe and underused, discouraging walkers, especially older adults. The group conducted walk audits, cleared overgrowth, added wayfinding signs and benches and introduced What3Words for safety. Community hikes and storytelling sessions featuring tobacco heritage helped activate the trail and build engagement. "Adding storytelling changed everything," said an organizer, noting the effort turned skepticism into enthusiasm and prompted infrastructure upgrades that make the trail more inviting for all ages.
Lynchburg, VA
AARP Community Challenge Grant Year: 2025
Project Category: Public space activation
Description: This wayfinding project will help residents and the school community navigate the shared public space. It aims to activate the underutilized schoolyard, fostering intergenerational engagement.
LEARN MORE AND STAY INFORMED
Find articles and resources about making communities more livable for people of all ages
Download or order free publications from AARP Livable Communities
Sign up for the free, weekly, award-winning AARP Livable Communities eNewsletter
Don't see your community listed?
LEARN HOW IT CAN JOIN THE NETWORKConnect with your AARP State Office
AARP has offices in all 50 states as well as in the District of Columbia, Puerto Rico and the U.S. Virgin Islands.
AARP Virginia State Office
901 E Byrd Street
Suite 1005
Richmond, VA 23219
United States