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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: 2025
Project Category: Public space activation
Description: Christiansted has few accessible green spaces where older adults can gather, garden and support healthy aging. Mobility barriers and limited transit options have made it harder for residents to reach outdoor places that offer shade, seating and social connection. St. Croix Foundation advanced planning for an intergenerational community garden and wellness space at Sunday Market Square through a community-led design process. Older adults and nearby residents shaped accessibility, planting choices and safety features through focus groups and public engagement. The work produced a preliminary design and secured historic approvals, positioning the project for installation. As one participant noted, visible follow-through showed that feedback was reflected in the plans and "builds trust, speaks volumes." By centering older adults early, the project accelerated a long-standing vision for a green space that can expand access and intergenerational activity.
Project description was created using generative AI and then reviewed for accuracy.
Monmouth, OR
AARP Community Challenge Grant Year: 2024
Project Category: Public space activation
Description: Older adults lacked outdoor spaces near the Senior Community Center, limiting social interaction and visibility in downtown life. The city tested two temporary alley designs with seating, tables, planters and lighting, hosting events like Tai Chi and art parties to gather feedback. The alley now serves as a lively gathering spot, fostering nintergenerational engagement and shaping a permanent plan that includes shaded seating and rotating art displays. One visitor said, "Love, love, love it! Makes me so happy to utilize otherwise empty space."
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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