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Fayetteville Housing Authority (2022) Print
2022 AARP Community Challenge Grantee
Project Category
Public places
└ Public space activation
└ Public space activation
The outdoor space at Hillcrest Towers -- an affordable housing complex for older adults -- were in disrepair and didn't meet residents' accessibility needs. To fix this, the Fayetteville Housing Authority replaced aging an aging pergola and a gazebo onsite. They also installed accessible seating and a picnic table to encourage residents to walk and socialize. New solar lighting made the space useable even after dark. To complete the improvements, volunteers beautified the grounds, planting native, edible foliage. Organizers say the work allowed neighbors from the community to engage with Hillcrest Towers residents. In the future, the Authority plans to host events in the space, including movie nights.
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Philadelphia, PA
AARP Community Challenge Grant Year: 2026
Project Category: Public space activation
Description: An accessibility upgrade to a community garden will include raised beds, safer paths and seating with armrests. These upgrades and regular Tai Chi classes will support balance, fall prevention and social connection for adults age 50-plus.
Cromwell, CT
AARP Community Challenge Grant Year: 2025
Project Category: Public space activation
Description: Cromwell Creative District focused on two public spaces that residents used often but struggled to navigate. Uneven surfaces and aging infrastructure at Valour Green and the Pierson Park Rose Garden made it harder for older adults and people with mobility challenges to sit, walk and spend time in places meant for gathering and reflection. The project rebuilt these spaces with practical access improvements, including benches set on solid pavers and smoother paths that connect to sidewalks. At the Rose Garden, outdated features were removed and the layout reworked so people using wheelchairs or walking aids could move safely. Veterans called to share appreciation for safer seating at Valour Green, and residents described returning to the Rose Garden for regular walks. By restoring access to spaces not updated for decades, the project made everyday park use more comfortable and set a foundation for continued care and planting by volunteers.
Project description was created using generative AI and then reviewed for accuracy.
Wolcott, VT
AARP Community Challenge Grant Year: 2021
Project Category: Public space activation
Description: The Town of Wolcott lacked greenspace for community members to enjoy, so the Town transformed an unused space behind the local library into a new park. Dubbed Depot Park, the space includes a community garden with raised beds, as well as a public trailhead. To draw people in, volunteers installed outdoor games, solar-powered lighting, seating and free Wi-Fi access. Organizers wanted to make the park a year-round amenity, so they included a patio heater and bonfire. Additionally, the local fire department created a temporary ice-skating rink onsite. After completing the activation, the Town hosted its first community event in decades at Depot Park. Today, the library holds children's reading circles there. Plus, community members can harvest vegetables for free from the garden.
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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