AARP Hearing Center
AARP Livable Communities Map
Grahamtown Team Inc. (2024) Print
2024 AARP Community Challenge Grantee
Project Category
Public places
└ Public space activation
└ Public space activation
Older residents in Grahamtown lacked safe, comfortable outdoor spaces, making it hard to join events or enjoy gardens without worrying about fatigue or sun exposure. The team installed benches, picnic tables and planters at parks, gardens and community spaces. Volunteers also added address plates for safety. These changes gave older adults places to rest and socialize, strengthened community engagement and even prompted the addition of street lighting. Residents say the improvements make them feel valued and included in revitalization efforts.
Project description was created using generative AI and then reviewed for accuracy.
Project description was created using generative AI and then reviewed for accuracy.
Photo Gallery
Image:
Click on a photo to learn more
See More Projects Like This One
Philadelphia, PA
AARP Community Challenge Grant Year: 2026
Project Category: Public space activation
Description: An accessibility upgrade to a community garden will include raised beds, safer paths and seating with armrests. These upgrades and regular Tai Chi classes will support balance, fall prevention and social connection for adults age 50-plus.
Christiansted, VI
AARP Community Challenge Grant Year: 2026
Project Category: Public space activation
Description: Educational, ADA‑friendly signage will be installed along a new walking trail at a historic site. The trail will support those volunteering with rescued animals, improve safety while dog‑walking and promote wellness for older adults.
Pleasant Hill, MO
AARP Community Challenge Grant Year: 2025
Project Category: Public space activation
Description: Limited seating in Pleasant Hill's park and recreation complex made it harder for older adults and people with mobility challenges to rest, watch events and stay engaged. The City of Pleasant Hill installed benches, picnic tables and a swing at both sites, placing them near paths and activity hubs to create reliable rest spots. Residents quickly reported benefits, noting it is easier to include family members with mobility needs and stay longer at gatherings. Early use highlighted demand for more seating and shade, guiding next steps as the city plans additional park improvements.
Project description was created using generative AI and then reviewed for accuracy.
Nearby AARP Community Challenge Projects
Hendersonville, NC
AARP Community Challenge Grant Year: 2024
Project Category: Bikeability
Description: With the highest pedestrian fatality rate among small towns in North Carolina, and a population that is more than half age 50-plus, Hendersonville faced urgent mobility challenges. To improve safety, the city installed 160 shared lane markings linking neighborhoods to downtown and the future Ecusta Trail. It also added two bike repair stations at key hubs and placed seven custom bike racks in high-traffic areas. These visible upgrades make biking safer and more convenient while encouraging active transportation. The project also spurred plans for a long-term bike parking strategy and updated bicycle plan. One resident said, "These amenities are fantastic additions to our city."
Project description was created using generative AI and then reviewed for accuracy.
Hendersonville, NC
AARP Community Challenge Grant Year: 2021
Project Category: Public art installations
Description: Herdersonville has two discrete downtown districts and recently created a safe pedestrian pathway to connect them. Friends of Downtown Hendersonville's initiative beautified the path and dubbed it the Downtown Art Route. First, the organization held an art contest. Then volunteers painted three winning designs onto the path's pavement. The Hendo Bee Line mural depicts pollinator flowers, while another mural features five hands spelling the word Hendo in American Sign Language. A third stretch of sidewalk showcases artwork depicting bears in a mountain landscape. Since the project completed, organizers are looking for locations to install more public art in the future.
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 North Carolina State Office
5511 Capital Center Drive
Suite 400
Raleigh, NC 27606
United States