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Groundwork Rhode Island (2022) Print
2022 AARP Community Challenge Grantee
Project Category
Public places
└ Public space activation
└ Public space activation
Central Falls has little green space and faces heat and health challenges, leaving older adults without safe outdoor areas. The project revitalized Phillips Street Park with raised garden beds, a paved patio, shade structure and seating, including chess tables and benches. A musical play feature was added for children, creating a multigenerational space for gardening, learning and socializing. One 50-plus neighbor said that she thought this park and the project itself was exactly what Central Falls needed, reflecting strong community support.
Project description was created using generative AI and then reviewed for accuracy.
Project description was created using generative AI and then reviewed for accuracy.
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See More Projects Like This One
Central Falls, RI
AARP Community Challenge Grant Year: 2021
Project Category: Public space activation
Description: Progreso Latino hoped to make better use of its limited outdoor space, expand its program offerings and help combat social isolation among older adults. The organization -- which serves Latino/a elders -- built a community pavilion in the heart of Central Falls to serve as a safe, outdoor gathering space. Organizers outfitted the space with tables and chairs and installed bollards to protect it from vehicle traffic. The pavilion's significance as a community space increased when Central Falls' only other senior center closed. Today the space hosts Zumba classes, walking groups, performances and vaccine clinics.
Woodville, MS
AARP Community Challenge Grant Year: 2025
Project Category: Public space activation
Description: This project will equip a rural public library with automatic doors and an access ramp, enhancing accessibility and safety for all residents, especially those age 50 and over.
Cromwell, CT
AARP Community Challenge Grant Year: 2025
Project Category: Public space activation
Description: Cromwell Creative District focused on two public spaces that residents used often but struggled to navigate. Uneven surfaces and aging infrastructure at Valour Green and the Pierson Park Rose Garden made it harder for older adults and people with mobility challenges to sit, walk and spend time in places meant for gathering and reflection. The project rebuilt these spaces with practical access improvements, including benches set on solid pavers and smoother paths that connect to sidewalks. At the Rose Garden, outdated features were removed and the layout reworked so people using wheelchairs or walking aids could move safely. Veterans called to share appreciation for safer seating at Valour Green, and residents described returning to the Rose Garden for regular walks. By restoring access to spaces not updated for decades, the project made everyday park use more comfortable and set a foundation for continued care and planting by volunteers.
Project description was created using generative AI and then reviewed for accuracy.
Nearby AARP Community Challenge Projects
Pawtucket, RI
AARP Community Challenge Grant Year: 2019
Project Category: Public space activation
Description: To enable older adults to exercise, socialize and enjoy nature, Pawtucket's Division of Senior Services created an outdoor activity center at Leon Mathieu Senior Center. They installed seating, planters and two large outdoor tabletop game stations. Project organizers also created an age-friendly playground for low-impact exercise, adding fitness and recreational equipment. The Senior Center provides services and programs for adults 55 and older and aims to encourage healthy aging and keep older residents connected to the community.
Central Falls, RI
AARP Community Challenge Grant Year: 2020
Project Category: Park enhancements
Description: To allow for more community events in Veterans Memorial Park, the City of Central Falls purchased two canopies to shade visitors from the sun. The City then set up the all-weather canopies at a series of events held in the park, including a picnic, Zumba gatherings and ice cream socials. Project organizers say the canopies will allow them to expand outdoor programming aimed at older adult residents.
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