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Eden Gardens Block Club (2018) Print
2018 AARP Community Challenge Grantee
Project Category
Public places
└ Public space activation
└ Public space activation
To give older adults a space where they can interact with local children, Eden Gardens Block Club converted two vacant lots into an intergenerational playground. Ahead of the project, the Edens Garden surveyed residents about their preferences, with 80 percent of respondents asking for exercise equipment for older adults. Volunteers then worked to clear the site and install playground apparatuses, including swings, a see-saw bouncer and a cardio walker. Organizers say the space is now a source of community pride for the community.
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Milwaukee, WI
AARP Community Challenge Grant Year: 2022
Project Category: Public space activation
Description: This project turned vacant lots into healing spaces by mowing grass, removing debris and hosting yoga sessions, health workshops and more.
Ponce, PR
AARP Community Challenge Grant Year: 2020
Project Category: Public space activation
Description: Ponce -- Puerto Rico's second largest city -- is recovering after two hurricanes and several earthquakes damaged its downtown, leaving many families homeless. As part of reconstruction efforts, City leaders are focusing on bolstering community arts and activating public spaces. To make the downtown core more inviting, the City improved a walkway that connects the Plaza del Mercado Isabel II with the local marketplace. To prepare the site, City staff made infrastructure upgrades and revamped landscaping. They then added tables and benches to the site, allowing visitors to gather to enjoy live music, play board games and exercise. The City also installed a platform where artisans can display their work.
Hammond, LA
AARP Community Challenge Grant Year: 2023
Project Category: Public space activation
Description: This project will transform an underutilized public space into a multipurpose place capable of hosting special events that bring older adults and people of all ages together in one cultural location.
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Detroit, MI
AARP Community Challenge Grant Year: 2022
Project Category: Accessibility of amenities
Description: To welcome older adults and people with mobility challenges, this project installed an ADA-compliant boardwalk and deck near Mission Point, a nursing and rehabilitation facility. In addition to creating a flat walking surface, volunteers installed seating to give visitors a place to rest. The improvements are part of the larger Circle Forest project, an effort to clean up and restore native wildlife to twelve vacant lots in Detroit.
Detroit, MI
AARP Community Challenge Grant Year: 2024
Project Category: Trails
Description: This project will create a trail connecting local parks, schools, community centers and commercial areas. The multiuse trail will serve pedestrians and bikers of all ages and abilities, with features including accessible pathways, rest areas and signage.
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