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Center Harbor, NH

AARP Community Challenge Grant Year: 2025

Project Category: Public space activation

Description: The James E. Nichols Memorial Library addressed a lack of safe, accessible outdoor space for older adults near the town center. The closest park bordered a busy road and steep terrain, limiting use by people with mobility challenges. The project added accessible outdoor seating, shade umbrellas with chairs and upgraded security. Volunteers age 50-plus helped install the furnishings. The improvements increased outdoor social use and prompted plans for additional ADA-compliant access.

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

Columbia, SC

AARP Community Challenge Grant Year: 2026

Project Category: Public space activation

Description: A community garden featuring lighting, shaded seating and raised beds will be established to support caregivers and adults age 50-plus. The space will promote low‑impact physical activity, stress reduction and social connection.

Clarion, IA

AARP Community Challenge Grant Year: 2021

Project Category: Public space activation

Description: A dilapidated, abandoned building sat in the heart of Clarion's downtown business district. But city officials were concerned demolishing the building would result in a missing tooth -- a vacant lot not conducive for redevelopment. The City made the difficult decision to tear down the building, but rather than leave the site empty they turned the space into a pocket park. Equipped with accessible picnic tables and new trees, bushes, planters and attractive grasses, the new green space gives residents easy access from a parking lot to the shops and restaurants on Central Avenue.

Nearby AARP Community Challenge Projects

Brattleboro, VT

AARP Community Challenge Grant Year: 2023

Project Category: Engaging residents in vibrant public places

Description: After catastrophic flooding exposed gaps in river access and safety, Brattleboro residents-many age 50-plus-joined the Face the River initiative to shape a new riverside park and learn floodplain science. The project delivered bird walks, river ecology workshops and mindfulness sessions, along with tours of restoration sites that engaged over 100 participants. Their insights are guiding permanent projects with ADA trails and amenities, underscoring the need for trails near downtown. The effort sparked lasting momentum for inclusive recreation and resilience planning.

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

Putney, VT

AARP Community Challenge Grant Year: 2026

Project Category: Transportation Other

Description: The project will use walk audit findings to identify pedestrian safety improvements, including crosswalk testing, benches, signage and traffic calming. The effort will improve walkability in a busy downtown area for residents of all ages.

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