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Hubbertville Community Foundation (2023) Print
2023 AARP Community Challenge Grantee
Project Category
Public places
└ Public space activation
└ Public space activation
The project addressed the lack of a safe place for exercise and social interaction, especially for older adults who previously walked along busy highways or stayed inactive due to limited options. It created a welcoming outdoor area with a covered gathering space, playground equipment and seating, along with added features that encouraged grandparents and families to spend time together. The improvements strengthened community ties and provided a reliable place for residents to meet and reconnect. As one resident said, "Having this new space in our community is wonderful... I get to sit in the swing and read a book or visit with a neighbor."
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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San Francisco, CA
AARP Community Challenge Grant Year: 2022
Project Category: Public space activation
Description: Older adults in San Francisco's Tenderloin neighborhood lacked safe outdoor spaces and faced isolation in single-room housing. The project transformed Dodge Alley with a vibrant mural, native plants, ADA-compliant benches, bistro tables and permanent string lighting. Monthly events featuring music, art and games turned the alley into a welcoming gathering spot. Residents now help maintain the space, and city agencies plan further upgrades.
Project description was created using generative AI and then reviewed for accuracy.
Oakland, MS
AARP Community Challenge Grant Year: 2023
Project Category: Public space activation
Description: Oakland's center for older adults sat in an uninviting area with few options for outdoor activity. To change that, the Chamber converted a vacant slab into the town's first pickleball court and added a pocket park with benches, shade and lockers for equipment. Volunteers helped install fencing and signage, and lighting is underway to improve safety. The court has become a hub for social connection and exercise, especially for older adults living nearby. As one resident said, "I had never heard of pickleball. I can't wait to learn how to play."
Project description was created using generative AI and then reviewed for accuracy.
Toledo, WA
AARP Community Challenge Grant Year: 2024
Project Category: Public space activation
Description: After fires and closures left Toledo with few gathering spaces, the library became a lifeline for residents, especially older adults. A failing roof threatened its survival, risking loss of books and a vital social hub. The grant funded a new roof and added a comfortable seating area near large-print books, plus events like an ice cream social with a historic slide show and computer classes. These upgrades secured the librarys future, boosted attendance and volunteerism and deepened intergenerational ties. As one volunteer shared, "Our new roof held up beautifully to... torrential downpours and high winds," easing fears of closure.
Project description was created using generative AI and then reviewed for accuracy.
Nearby AARP Community Challenge Projects
Dora, AL
AARP Community Challenge Grant Year: 2023
Project Category: Addressing community health
Description: Inflation and the end of pandemic SNAP benefits left many older adults struggling to afford food, with demand for assistance soaring. Mission of Hope responded by distributing groceries to over 5,000 people and purchasing steel carts to help volunteers move supplies efficiently. About 100 volunteers were trained to pack and deliver food, easing strain and speeding service. For homebound clients, weekly deliveries brought more than meals-one wrote, "These red bags of goodies sure can cheer a fellow up... It's just like Christmas."
Project description was created using generative AI and then reviewed for accuracy.
Moulton, AL
AARP Community Challenge Grant Year: 2020
Project Category: Public space activation
Description: To revitalize Moulton's downtown area, Moulton Lions Club created parklets, a mural and temporary, artistic crosswalks. The mural is located along Bylar Road -- the area's oldest public road -- and showcases the route's history. To Project organizers also outfitted several parklets with movable benches, chairs and umbrellas to increase foot traffic and provide rest and shade during events, including the annual Strawberry Festival. In addition, the Lions Club created artistic crosswalks with sidewalk chalk. Each had a local theme, from educating locals about endangered salamanders to paying homage to local resident Jesse Owen, who competed at the 1936 Olympics. Lions Club organizers says they hope the project will spur residents to consider how art can make public spaces more appealing.
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