See More Projects Like This One

Ville Platte, LA

AARP Community Challenge Grant Year: 2021

Project Category: Public art installations

Description: The Tee Cotton Bowl is an annual high school football game -- and week-long event -- that promotes racial reconciliation. As part of local revitalization efforts, the Acosta Foundation engaged a team of multigenerational volunteers to create a 100-foot-long mural as a symbol of the community coming together. A small, landscaped seating area allows visitors to enjoy the artwork, with LED lighting illuminating the mural. Volunteers hailed from all parts of the city and worked on all elements of the project, from cleaning the wall to hosting a celebratory party during the Bowl. The project's success sparked creation of another mural on the grounds of Ville Platt's city hall.

North Hero, VT

AARP Community Challenge Grant Year: 2022

Project Category: Public art installations

Description: In a rural town where isolation is common among older adults, the library created an outdoor space to foster connection and creativity. It installed a circular word garden with etched stones and ADA-compliant benches, complemented by raised beds. A kickoff event drew residents to arrange words into poems and phrases. The garden is now a permanent feature that brings grandparents and grandchildren together. As one visitor said, "My niece didn't even want to come to the library, but after playing with the word garden, she doesn't want to leave."

Project description was created using generative AI and then reviewed for accuracy.

Reno, NV

AARP Community Challenge Grant Year: 2023

Project Category: Public art installations

Description: A Reno neighborhood plagued by aging sidewalks and poor walkability needed a way to restore pride and connection. The project led six design workshops and volunteer days to prepare walls for three large murals co-created by residents and local artists. These vibrant installations transformed neglected spaces into community landmarks, strengthened social ties and spotlighted safety issues like missing sidewalks and crosswalks. The effort is expected to inspire future art projects and advocacy for street improvements, creating a more inviting and connected environment for older adults and neighbors alike.

Project description was created using generative AI and then reviewed for accuracy.

Nearby AARP Community Challenge Projects

Estes Park, CO

AARP Community Challenge Grant Year: 2020

Project Category: Community Gardens

Description: This project made improvements to the Estes Valley Community Garden. The EVCG added six raised garden beds to make planting and harvesting comfortable for older gardeners and those with physical limitations. Project organizers also constructed a green waste storage box, which allows gardeners to toss their weeds rather than carry them home. Additionally, gardeners and visitors benefit from a new handwashing station, installed to increase safety during the COVID-19 pandemic. This project contributed to EVCG's ongoing efforts to donate plots and produce to a local food bank. Project organizers report the improvements attracted partners to the EVGC's new diversity initiative.

Boulder, CO

AARP Community Challenge Grant Year: 2021

Project Category: Public safety interventions

Description: Boulder's San Lazaro Mobile Home Park lacked well-lit community walkways, causing residents to feel unsafe walking during the evening hours. To address this, the City of Boulder and the park's owners installed solar lights, which they mounted on 20-foot poles to improve visibility after dark. Enhancing walkability and creating a stronger sense of place, this project kicked off a larger effort to replace more of the county's lights with solar lighting.

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 Colorado State Office

303 E. 17th Avenue
Suite 510
Denver, CO 80203
United States

Phone: 866-554-5376
Fax: 303-764-5999
Email: [email protected]