AARP Hearing Center
AARP Livable Communities Map
Herington VFW Dix Day Post 1281 (2024) Print
2024 AARP Community Challenge Grantee
Project Category
Public places
└ Public space activation
└ Public space activation
The pocket park in downtown Herington lacked seating, so grant funds were used to purchase benches and an accessible picnic table. The seating was a catalyst for further investment in the pocket park, including shade coverings, a drinking fountain, mural, and landscaping.
Photo Gallery
Image:
Click on a photo to learn more
See More Projects Like This One
Max, ND
AARP Community Challenge Grant Year: 2020
Project Category: Public space activation
Description: To beautify its downtown, the City of Max added hanging flower baskets, benches and picnic tables, as well as raised garden beds. The undertaking was a community effort for the small town (Max only has 131 residents). A local community club picked out the flowers, with another group of older residents volunteering to plant them and keep them watered. Project organizers say they hope the brightened streetscape encourages residents to get out and stroll through downtown.
Surry, ME
AARP Community Challenge Grant Year: 2024
Project Category: Public space activation
Description: This project will create a notice board to display local town and emergency information at the local post office, a regular meeting space. This will specifically benefit older residents who are unable to access information online.
Pendleton, IN
AARP Community Challenge Grant Year: 2023
Project Category: Public space activation
Description: This project will develop a pocket park that will bring local school students and older adults engaged in storytelling and experience-sharing events.
Nearby AARP Community Challenge Projects
Manhattan, KS
AARP Community Challenge Grant Year: 2021
Project Category: Roadway/sidewalks/crosswalk improvement
Description: Manhattan's busiest intersections needed safety improvements for pedestrians and bicyclists. To address this, the Flint Hills Metropolitan Planning Organization installed curb extensions and pedestrian islands at key locations within the community, including in front of the local elementary school. The enhancements made the crossings more visible, placing priority on people rather than vehicles. Organizers say the project showed residents and government leadership that it's possible to improve walkability and make neighborhoods safer on a modest budget.
Newton, KS
AARP Community Challenge Grant Year: 2022
Project Category: Park enhancements
Description: This project installed ADA-compliant benches and educational signage at a future wetlands park located one mile from a large retirement community. It also created safety warnings and pavement markings at the site.
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 Kansas State Office
6220 SW 29th Street
Suite 300
Topeka, KS 66614
United States