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Chillicothe, OH

AARP Community Challenge Grant Year: 2026

Project Category: Public space activation

Description: The organization will replace worn pavement and install new handrails at an outdoor amphitheater. These upgrades will reduce fall risks and help older adults move safely and confidently during performances.

Lynchburg, VA

AARP Community Challenge Grant Year: 2025

Project Category: Public space activation

Description: Residents wanted to use the Dunbar Community Schoolyard for walking and gathering, but unclear access and a lack of signage made the large campus feel uncertain and underused. The City of Lynchburg installed a pedestrian wayfinding system at key entrances, using clear, large-format signs to welcome public use and guide people through the space. The project helped residents understand how the schoolyard could be used outside school hours. Older adults shared memories tied to the campus and expressed renewed optimism about its future. The wayfinding system strengthened coordination among city staff, schools and residents and marked an early step toward broader improvements that support regular use of the space.

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

Marshalltown, IA

AARP Community Challenge Grant Year: 2026

Project Category: Public space activation

Description: A community-led effort will convert a tornado-impacted downtown lot into an accessible pocket plaza with shade, seating and public art. The space will encourage gathering and walking downtown while supporting local businesses and social connections.

Nearby AARP Community Challenge Projects

Fayetteville, AR

AARP Community Challenge Grant Year: 2017

Project Category: Lifelong housing and accessibility

Description: Sources for Community Independent Living Services provides support and advocacy for individuals with disabilities, their families and the larger community through classes and training. The organization hosted an open house showcasing accessible home design features for aging in place. Participants were able to walk through a home with modifications. Additionally, a film crew documented the event and created two short videos featuring a multigenerational family discussing their experience remodeling their home for greater accessibility. The organization also created an informational poster to promote lifelong housing, distributed 3,000 brochures and held an educational event about lifelong housing with the Northwest Arkansas Home Builders Association.

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AARP Arkansas State Office

1701 Centerview Drive
Suite 205
Little Rock, AR 72211
United States

Phone: 866-554-5379
Fax: 501-227-7710
Email: [email protected]