See More Projects Like This One

Old Orchard Beach, ME

AARP Community Challenge Grant Year: 2019

Project Category: Public space activation

Description: Old Orchard Beach Community Friendly Connection reenergized a neighborhood block, organizing residents to clean up, restore and refresh the Washington Avenue District and Atlantic Courts Park. A sidewalk and crosswalk painting project brightened the area and encouraged locals to walk. To improve public safety, the town also worked with the local cable and electric companies to mount a security camera near the park's basketball court and convert the court's lighting to LED. After the project was complete, about 250 people attended a block party to celebrate, with residents voting to rename the area Washington Square. Nearby businesses and community groups have ridden the momentum and made improvements to their properties as well. Those living in the neighborhood report they walk through the area more often since the transformation.

Lawrence, TN

AARP Community Challenge Grant Year: 2025

Project Category: Public space activation

Description: This project will provide a mobile mini golf course, encouraging walking, activity, and social connection. Designed with accessible paths and seating, it promotes active living and a vibrant community, especially for older adults.

Milton-Freewater, OR

AARP Community Challenge Grant Year: 2020

Project Category: Public space activation

Description: This project temporarily transformed an underused parking lot into a town plaza, dubbed Freewater Square. First, the Milton-Freewater Downtown Alliance made repairs to the pavement and added electric and water access at the site. They then purchased outdoor furniture, shade umbrellas and games. Volunteers also built planters and installed a stage for performances. To beautify the plaza, project organizers also held a mural painting competition. After the transformation, the plaza hosted monthly events, including live music, movie nights, community art projects and game tournaments -- all of which gave residents a safe way to socialize during the COVID-19 pandemic. Small buildings host pop-ups, allowing the site the act as a small business incubator. Eventually, MFDA plans to revert the site to a parking lot. But project organizers say they will use ideas from the plaza activation to permanently convert a nearby vacant lot into a community market and activity center.

Nearby AARP Community Challenge Projects

Gastonia, NC

AARP Community Challenge Grant Year: 2025

Project Category: Park enhancements

Description: This project will transform a garden into a welcoming space with walking paths, community gathering areas, and open garden space. It aims to celebrate local history and provide an outdoor area for environmental education.

Charlotte, NC

AARP Community Challenge Grant Year: 2025

Project Category: Pedestrian Safety

Description: This project will develop an artificial intelligence safety dashboard to identify dangerous streets and guide infrastructure upgrades.

LEARN MORE AND STAY INFORMED

Find articles and resources about making communities more livable for people of all ages

people icon

Download or order free publications from AARP Livable Communities

download icon

Sign up for the free, weekly, award-winning AARP Livable Communities eNewsletter

mail icon

Don't see your community listed?

LEARN HOW IT CAN JOIN THE NETWORK

Connect 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 North Carolina State Office

5511 Capital Center Drive
Suite 400
Raleigh, NC 27606
United States

Phone: 866-389-5650
Fax: 919-755-9684
Email: [email protected]