Macon, GA

AARP Community Challenge Grant Year: 2017

Project Category: Public space activation

Description: Before 24/7 television, air-conditioning and smartphones, sitting outside and talking over a game of chess or checkers was a popular pastime. To give residents of all ages in South Macon a place to gather, South Macon Art Revitalization Technology purchased outdoor checkerboard tables and two oversized Connect Four games. A crew of neighborhood residents serve as volunteer game instructors onsite. Chess, checkers and Connect Four are games that require critical thinking, patience and skill, SMART secretary Frankie Lewis said, noting that many older people in the neighborhood are accomplished chess and checkers players. We want to make sure their skills don't get lost due to the lack of activity, and we want the elders in our community to share their knowledge with people here of all ages, but especially our youth.

Little Falls, NJ

AARP Community Challenge Grant Year: 2025

Project Category: Public space activation

Description: This project will create a vibrant outdoor gathering space at the Old Town Hall with age-friendly benches, flower gardens, shaded seating areas, and accessible walking paths.

Woodbury, NJ

AARP Community Challenge Grant Year: 2023

Project Category: Public space activation

Description: The grant will support LOT 323, a creative placemaking pop-up park that features music and arts and crafts events for residents aged 50 by partnering with senior housing and senior centers, as well as assisted living facilities.