Christiansted, VI

AARP Community Challenge Grant Year: 2025

Project Category: Public space activation

Description: Christiansted has few accessible green spaces where older adults can gather, garden and support healthy aging. Mobility barriers and limited transit options have made it harder for residents to reach outdoor places that offer shade, seating and social connection. St. Croix Foundation advanced planning for an intergenerational community garden and wellness space at Sunday Market Square through a community-led design process. Older adults and nearby residents shaped accessibility, planting choices and safety features through focus groups and public engagement. The work produced a preliminary design and secured historic approvals, positioning the project for installation. As one participant noted, visible follow-through showed that feedback was reflected in the plans and "builds trust, speaks volumes." By centering older adults early, the project accelerated a long-standing vision for a green space that can expand access and intergenerational activity.

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

Oxford, AL

AARP Community Challenge Grant Year: 2018

Project Category: Public space activation

Description: Oxford's historic downtown is home to restaurants, shops, art galleries, historic churches and a first-class performing arts center. Its brick-paved sidewalks are great for strolling, but the area lacked seating options. To address this, Historic Main Street Oxford installed metal benches, as well as two bike racks. This enables Main Street visitors to grab an ice cream cone with a friend and rest comfortably in the shade. The new amenities came during a downtown streetscaping project, which included installing accessible sidewalks, new lighting and improved landscaping.

Central Falls, RI

AARP Community Challenge Grant Year: 2024

Project Category: Public space activation

Description: Older adults in Central Falls lacked safe, weather-protected spaces for year-round socialization, leaving gatherings vulnerable to rain and cold. Progreso Latino installed and weatherized four pavilions with lighting, heating and retractable curtains, creating multi-use spaces for exercise and cultural events. The improvements allow older adults to gather safely in all seasons and are expected to support community activities for 15 years or more. At the ribbon-cutting, one participant said the celebration was "a testament to the power of culture, community and shared traditions under the shelter of a new gathering place."

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