San Diego, CA

AARP Community Challenge Grant Year: 2024

Project Category: Public space activation

Description: The alleys in the Normal Heights neighborhood of San Diego were underused and unsafe, with broken pavement and no inviting public spaces for older adults or families. To change that, the association painted two large murals celebrating nature and intergenerational engagement, repaved the alley for safe passage and hosted a pop-up event that drew nearly 300 residents to share ideas for future improvements. The murals and resurfacing transformed the alley into a vibrant, accessible space and prompted the city to prioritize alley upgrades. One resident said the murals "invite you to explore the alley for a closer look."

Berea, SC

AARP Community Challenge Grant Year: 2020

Project Category: Public space activation

Description: Greenville County's Parks, Recreation and Tourism Department created a backyard space to the Berea Community Center. A new walking path loop connects the center to new amenities, with include swinging benches, horseshoe pits and a community garden space. The site also features improved landscaping. Project organizers constructed beds for the gardens at a variety of heights -- including three wheelchair-accessible pull-up beds -- to accommodate visitors of different ability levels.

Jackson, MS

AARP Community Challenge Grant Year: 2020

Project Category: Public space activation

Description: Part of wider efforts to beautify the South Jackson neighborhood, this project activated several vacant lots, turning them into community gardens, creative market spaces and pocket parks. The revitalization initiative also added seating and landscaping at a bus stop, painted a mural and made repairs to housing subdivision entrances. Community members volunteered to help with the efforts. In recent years, South Jackson has struggled with business closures and vacant housing. In a letter to the community, Coalition Executive Director Bennie Hudson wrote, We must do something about this for ourselves as elders and adults, but even more for our children and youth. In the future, project organizers hope to set up a homeowners association for the neighborhood to support ongoing maintenance and future improvements.