Del Norte, CO

AARP Community Challenge Grant Year: 2026

Project Category: Public space activation

Description: Benches and wellness stations will be added along an existing walking route. The enhancements will support rest, movement and social connection outdoors.

Blytheville, AR

AARP Community Challenge Grant Year: 2026

Project Category: Public space activation

Description: An ADA accessible outdoor classroom with gardens and activity areas will be created at the local Senior Citizens Center. The space will support learning, social interaction and low-impact outdoor use.

Macon, GA

AARP Community Challenge Grant Year: 2017

Project Category: Public space activation

Description: Before 24/7 television, air-conditioning and smartphones, sitting outside and talking over a game of chess or checkers was a popular pastime. To give residents of all ages in South Macon a place to gather, South Macon Art Revitalization Technology purchased outdoor checkerboard tables and two oversized Connect Four games. A crew of neighborhood residents serve as volunteer game instructors onsite. "Chess, checkers and Connect Four are games that require critical thinking, patience and skill," SMART secretary Frankie Lewis said, noting that many older people in the neighborhood are accomplished chess and checkers players. "We want to make sure their skills don't get lost due to the lack of activity, and we want the elders in our community to share their knowledge with people here of all ages, but especially our youth."