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Friends of the Lower Olentangy Watershed (2020) Print
2020 AARP Community Challenge Grantee
Project Category
Community Health and Economic Empowerment
└ Public place improvements to withstand extreme weather events
└ Public place improvements to withstand extreme weather events
To reduce the urban heat island effect, Friends of the lower Olentangy Watershed planted large canopy trees at an elementary school playground and near a housing complex. The area has traditionally lacked tree cover, with the nearby properties having the least canopy cover of any residential area in the local watershed. The new trees increased the local canopy from 7 percent to 22 percent -- the average for Columbus as a whole. Volunteers -- including local Scouts -- helped plant the trees. In addition, project organizers installed benches at the playground to provide a respite to teachers, children and families using the playground equipment.
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New York City, NY
AARP Community Challenge Grant Year: 2024
Project Category: Public place improvements to withstand extreme weather events
Description: Older adults in heat-vulnerable NYC neighborhoods faced isolation and health risks during extreme summer heat, with few safe outdoor spaces. Street Lab created OASIS, a pop-up cooling station with shade, seating and a misting "river," deploying it 33 times across 15 streets. The setup also included plant carts and emergency preparedness materials, offering immediate relief and a place to connect. The project drew 1,650 people-half age 50-plus-and informed plans to scale citywide. One older adult said she loved staying cool while watching her granddaughter play in the mist, showing how OASIS turned hot streets into welcoming community spaces.
Salt Lake City, UT
AARP Community Challenge Grant Year: 2023
Project Category: Public place improvements to withstand extreme weather events
Description: Poor air quality along Utah's Wasatch Front shortens life expectancy, especially for older adults, and limited tree cover worsens heat islands. To combat this, TreeUtah organized more than 100 planting events statewide, engaging over 3,000 volunteers-including many age 50-plus-to plant thousands of trees. Two events in South Salt Lake added 20 large trees near a local facility for older adulits and included a tree care workshop. These efforts improve air quality, create shaded spaces and foster intergenerational engagement. One participant noted, "There was definitely something for everyone at this event... even my teenager had fun."
Cole, OK
AARP Community Challenge Grant Year: 2024
Project Category: Public place improvements to withstand extreme weather events
Description: After an F3 tornado devastated Cole, residents lost safe gathering spaces and older adults had no secure place during severe weather. The project rebuilt the park stage with new flooring, railings and structural leveling, restoring a venue for music and community events. This upgrade revives traditions that unite generations and creates a focal point for recovery. Residents expressed excitement about plans for more improvements, including a pavilion and sports facilities, signaling a renewed sense of belonging and hope for a stronger, connected community.
Nearby AARP Community Challenge Projects
Columbus, OH
AARP Community Challenge Grant Year: 2022
Project Category: Community Gardens
Description: The International Harvest Garden lacked shade and seating, leaving gardeners age 50-plus and families without a comfortable place to rest or gather. The project added a picnic table with side access for mobility aids, a shade trellis and improved walkways for easier navigation. These upgrades will support cultural events and reduce isolation, with volunteers saying the changes will make the garden "a sanctuary as well as a place of growth and education."
Columbus, OH
AARP Community Challenge Grant Year: 2022
Project Category: Engaging residents alongside thought leaders in problem solving
Description: Central Ohio is home to a large Bhutanese migrant population. This project engaged women from this community, who often face linguistic isolation, economic barriers and mental health struggles. To help them gain independence and integrate into the community, the Bhutanese Community of Central Ohio held weekly classes and educational field trips. Participants learned how to access community resources -- including libraries, parks and museums. To help them get around, they also gained familiarity with the local public transportation system. "We have a place for us, like our birthplace in Bhutan," one participant shared. "We thank BCCO for this opportunity. We enjoyed it a lot. We would love to have this kind of program in future."
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