AARP Hearing Center
AARP Livable Communities Map
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.
Photo Gallery
Image:
Click on a photo to learn more
See More Projects Like This One
Brushton, NY
AARP Community Challenge Grant Year: 2023
Project Category: Public space activation
Description: An outdated Adult Center left residents in a rural community facing isolation and food insecurity. Volunteers transformed the space by installing a two-sided LED sign for outreach, adding new lighting, painting walls and creating a mural. A half wall now makes meal service safer and more efficient. These changes boosted meal participation by up to 21% and drew record attendance at holiday events. One diner said that the spruced up center will encourage more people to be willing to come and enjoy it, reflecting renewed community pride and plans for further upgrades.
Project description was created using generative AI and then reviewed for accuracy.
Toa Baja, PR
AARP Community Challenge Grant Year: 2025
Project Category: Public space activation
Description: This project will transform an underutilized area into a vibrant gathering spot with murals, solar LED lights, shade sails, and concrete planters.
Litchfield, NH
AARP Community Challenge Grant Year: 2025
Project Category: Public space activation
Description: At Darrah Pond, older adults and residents with mobility challenges had limited ways to fish safely and comfortably, even though the park was a popular gathering place. Without an accessible platform, some residents could not reach the water or participate alongside family members. The Litchfield Recreation Commission addressed this by installing a removable, accessible fishing dock with a ramp, bench and safety railings. Volunteers completed the assembly and site work, creating a stable place to fish, sit and spend time by the pond. The dock was used almost immediately, expanding access for residents who use walkers and others who need a place to rest while fishing. Participation in fishing events increased, and the space began fostering interaction across generations as older adults shared tips and stories with younger residents.
Project description was created using generative AI and then reviewed for accuracy.
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.
LEARN MORE AND STAY INFORMED
Find articles and resources about making communities more livable for people of all ages
Download or order free publications from AARP Livable Communities
Sign up for the free, weekly, award-winning AARP Livable Communities eNewsletter
Don't see your community listed?
LEARN HOW IT CAN JOIN THE NETWORKConnect with your AARP State Office
AARP has offices in all 50 states as well as in the District of Columbia, Puerto Rico and the U.S. Virgin Islands.
AARP Arkansas State Office
1701 Centerview Drive
Suite 205
Little Rock, AR 72211
United States