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Ellsworth Chamber of Commerce (2019) | AARP Livable Communities Map

Ellsworth Chamber of Commerce (2019) Print

2019 AARP Community Challenge Grantee

Project Category

Public places
└ Public space activation

Ellsworth's once-bustling East End corridor had declined over several decades, with a 60 percent vacancy rate along Broadway Street. The Local Chamber of Commerce hoped to see the neighborhood rise again as a pedestrian-friendly, mixed-use area. To promote its vision, the Chamber commissioned six murals celebrating local agricultural history. They also put up light pole banners and window clings with branding for the neighborhood and added benches, bistro tables and hanging planter baskets along Broadway Street. The Chamber then staged a historical walking tour, which garnered local news coverage and spurred the County historical association to consider designating the East End as an official historic district. In conjunction with these placemaking efforts, the Chamber launched a pop-up program for small businesses opening in the East End. Following that initiative, two of the participating decided to operate permanently in the neighborhood.

Clarkston, GA

AARP Community Challenge Grant Year: 2024

Project Category: Public space activation

Description: Clarkston's only community center was unusable, leaving older adults without a safe space for activities in a city where language barriers and isolation are common. The organization renovated the center with new furniture and climate control, then launched crochet workshops pairing older adults with youth. It also spurred new Tai Chi and peace education classes. The permanent hub now hosts programs and resource drives, fostering intergenerational learning and cultural exchange. For residents age 50-plus, the center offers consistent programming and a nearby venue to stay active and connected.

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

Woodburn, OR

AARP Community Challenge Grant Year: 2022

Project Category: Public space activation

Description: Senior Estates Park lacked amenities for social gatherings and recreation, limiting opportunities for older adults to connect. The city added a fenced off-leash dog park and a 20-by-30 picnic shelter with ADA-accessible tables, trash receptacles and a drinking fountain with a dog bowl. These upgrades created a dry, covered space for family events and a safe area for dogs to play. The improvements are increasing park use, providing older adults with a convenient venue for social interaction and make the park a year-round destination for community celebrations.

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

Buffalo, WY

AARP Community Challenge Grant Year: 2024

Project Category: Public space activation

Description: Hundreds of veterans' graves in Johnson County lacked markers, leaving families without visible recognition of service. Volunteers from the American Legion and VFW installed more than 375 durable metal markers across three cemeteries, assembling and placing them over summer and fall. The markers provide lasting tribute, ensuring families can honor veterans for decades. Volunteers described the work as extremely meaningful, recalling names and memories while walking the grounds. The group plans to continue adding markers as needed.

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

River Falls, WI

AARP Community Challenge Grant Year: 2023

Project Category: Roadway/sidewalks/crosswalk improvement

Description: A deteriorating intersection identified as a high-risk crash area posed safety challenges for pedestrians and cyclists, including older adults living nearby. The project installed high-visibility crosswalk markings, upgraded buttons with auditory signals and added bollards to create a protected bike lane and pedestrian corridor. Public art and a "paint the pavement" event engaged volunteers and raised awareness. These improvements made the crossing safer and more accessible, connected residents to downtown and trails and informed future bike and pedestrian plans.

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

Spring Valley, WI

AARP Community Challenge Grant Year: 2024

Project Category: HomeFit Modifications

Description: In rural communities, older adults faced fall hazards at home but were reluctant to ask for help, making aging in place risky. The project trained volunteers to assess homes and install safety upgrades like grab bars and secured rugs. It also completed multiple improvements and created a stock of equipment for future use. It introduced HomeFit concepts and built trust, with new requests already coming in. One couple said the heavy-duty grab bars installed by volunteers and a local handyman has finally given them secure footing in their bathroom.

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

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