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New Orleans, LA
AARP Community Challenge Grant Year: 2025
Project Category: Public space activation
Description: The Urban Conservancy addressed the lack of accessible, comfortable outdoor space in Gert Town, where older adults had few shaded places to walk, sit or gather near their homes. An unused lot offered little reason to enter and limited access points made it feel disconnected from the neighborhood. The project transformed the site into an inviting orchard and community space by adding an accessible walking path, shade structures, fruit trees, signage and a bike rack. New entrances made the space easier to reach and clearly signaled that neighbors were welcome. Older adults now have a place to spend time outdoors, connect with others and access fresh fruit, while ongoing use and planning are guiding future additions that will keep the space active and cared for.
Project description was created using generative AI and then reviewed for accuracy.
Chillicothe, OH
AARP Community Challenge Grant Year: 2023
Project Category: Public space activation
Description: The City of Chillicothe transformed a neglected lot in the Sixth Ward into its first neighborhood park, addressing a lack of green space in an area with high obesity rates and low life expectancy. The new pocket park features ADA-compliant walkways, benches, picnic tables and a playground, all within a fenced, well-lit space. Residents now have a safe place to gather and stay active, with one grandmother sharing that her grandkids "are so excited to walk to the park and play" while she enjoys sitting nearby.
Project description was created using generative AI and then reviewed for accuracy.
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.
Nearby AARP Community Challenge Projects
Lynchburg, VA
AARP Community Challenge Grant Year: 2025
Project Category: Public space activation
Description: Residents wanted to use the Dunbar Community Schoolyard for walking and gathering, but unclear access and a lack of signage made the large campus feel uncertain and underused. The City of Lynchburg installed a pedestrian wayfinding system at key entrances, using clear, large-format signs to welcome public use and guide people through the space. The project helped residents understand how the schoolyard could be used outside school hours. Older adults shared memories tied to the campus and expressed renewed optimism about its future. The wayfinding system strengthened coordination among city staff, schools and residents and marked an early step toward broader improvements that support regular use of the space.
Project description was created using generative AI and then reviewed for accuracy.
Lynchburg, VA
AARP Community Challenge Grant Year: 2026
Project Category: Public space activation
Description: The Senior Center will improve its community garden by adding paths, tools and accessible features. These updates will help participants reach all garden beds, stay active through planting and spend more time gardening together.
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