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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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San Francisco, CA
AARP Community Challenge Grant Year: 2022
Project Category: Public space activation
Description: Older adults in San Francisco's Tenderloin neighborhood lacked safe outdoor spaces and faced isolation in single-room housing. The project transformed Dodge Alley with a vibrant mural, native plants, ADA-compliant benches, bistro tables and permanent string lighting. Monthly events featuring music, art and games turned the alley into a welcoming gathering spot. Residents now help maintain the space, and city agencies plan further upgrades.
Monroeville, AL
AARP Community Challenge Grant Year: 2022
Project Category: Public space activation
Description: Organizers with Monroeville Main Street wanted to create a free, healthy educational activity for families. They created a story trail downtown, which leads from the town's historic square to the local library. They installed 24 panels along the trail, each containing pages from a story book. This allows families with children to read the book as they stroll. Organizers plan to swap out the story on display 18 times over the course of the year. Additionally, organizers installed water fountains and water bottle filling stations in three parks, as well as in Monroeville's downtown. To accommodate people of all abilities, each story trail panel and water fountain sits along ADA-compliant sidewalks. Organizers say the story trail will be a feature in the community's downtown events.
Toledo, WA
AARP Community Challenge Grant Year: 2024
Project Category: Public space activation
Description: After fires and closures left Toledo with few gathering spaces, the library became a lifeline for residents, especially older adults. A failing roof threatened its survival, risking loss of books and a vital social hub. The grant funded a new roof and added a comfortable seating area near large-print books, plus events like an ice cream social with a historic slide show and computer classes. These upgrades secured the librarys future, boosted attendance and volunteerism and deepened intergenerational ties. As one volunteer shared, "Our new roof held up beautifully to... torrential downpours and high winds," easing fears of closure.
Nearby AARP Community Challenge Projects
Detroit, MI
AARP Community Challenge Grant Year: 2019
Project Category: Expansion and enhancement of transportation options
Description: The Literacy Center launched a pilot program to deploy electric autonomous passenger shuttles to transport older adults, veterans and people with disabilities. The 12-passenger, wheelchair-accessible shuttles operated on-demand five days a week. Individuals living in 17 senior living facilities near the Detroit Medical Center and Veterans Administration Hospital Campus use the shuttles to travel to medical appointments, pharmacies and shopping. The pilot introduced policy makers, stakeholders and residents to the AV concept and facilitated conversations about their vision for the future of autonomous vehicles. The project attracted additional funds from the private sector, three in-kind service vehicles and new partners.
Detroit, MI
AARP Community Challenge Grant Year: 2022
Project Category: Accessibility of amenities
Description: Lots in Detroit's Poletown neighborhood left older adults and neighbors without safe access to nature. The project installed an ADA-compliant boardwalk and gathering deck with seating. It was connected to accessible paths and created a focal point for the Circle Forest restoration. These improvements allow residents and care facility visitors to enjoy the outdoors and socialize. "Workers tell me how happy they are to get away and recharge during their shift," said a project lead, noting the space now draws neighbors daily.
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