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
Lihue, HI
AARP Community Challenge Grant Year: 2026
Project Category: Public space activation
Description: The project will enhance downtown public spaces through native plant restoration, seating and shade. These changes will reduce heat, improve walkability and make community gatherings more accessible to older adults.
Sisseton, SD
AARP Community Challenge Grant Year: 2020
Project Category: Public space activation
Description: To encourage residents to walk and increase the vibrancy of Sisseton's downtown, The Sisseton Arts Council created a new community gathering spot, which they dubbed the Midway Green Space. The site features a sculpture of a reflective, eight-point star, designed to represent the area's native Dakota and Scandinavian immigrant heritage. To make the Green Space inviting to visitors, volunteers installed granite benches and seeded native grasses. Since these improvements, project organizers secured funding for a second sculpture for the site, created by a local Native artist.
Lapwai, ID
AARP Community Challenge Grant Year: 2026
Project Category: Public space activation
Description: The library will convert an unused side lot into a safe, accessible green courtyard featuring benches and garden beds. This space will support outdoor programs and provide residents with a quiet place to relax away from traffic.
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