AARP Hearing Center
AARP Livable Communities Map
Jicarilla Apache Senior Citizens (2025) Print
2025 AARP Community Challenge Grantee
Project Category
Public places
└ Public space activation
└ Public space activation
The project addressed the lack of accessible outdoor spaces where older adults could safely gather, exercise and connect. The team installed secured benches, picnic tables, pergola shades and concrete slabs that created a stable, comfortable place for daily use. These additions made the park more welcoming and supported regular outdoor activities. Residents stopped by during construction to ask about the progress and shared their excitement about enjoying meals and time outside next summer. The improvements reduced isolation, encouraged movement and set the stage for future additions such as new trees, lighting and grass that will expand the park's long-term benefits.
Project description was created using generative AI and then reviewed for accuracy.
Project description was created using generative AI and then reviewed for accuracy.
Photo Gallery
Image:
Click on a photo to learn more
See More Projects Like This One
Citronelle, AL
AARP Community Challenge Grant Year: 2026
Project Category: Public space activation
Description: A safe, accessible walking trail with benches will be created in a rural community. The trail will support low impact exercise and reduce isolation for older residents.
Cheyenne, WY
AARP Community Challenge Grant Year: 2026
Project Category: Public space activation
Description: The Senior Center will create accessible outdoor patios with seating and raised gardens at its entrances. These areas will provide older adults with a place to wait, socialize and enjoy fresh air between daily activities.
Charleston, WV
AARP Community Challenge Grant Year: 2026
Project Category: Public space activation
Description: Handrails, ramps, lighting, seating and marked pathways will be installed around a ministry facility. These exterior upgrades will make food pantry visits and volunteer activities safer and more comfortable for people with mobility needs.
Nearby AARP Community Challenge Projects
Pagosa Springs, CO
AARP Community Challenge Grant Year: 2026
Project Category: Community Gardens
Description: Pathway upgrades, seating and shade will be added at a community garden site. These improvements will make the garden safer to use and offer hands-on activities that support food access.
El Rito, NM
AARP Community Challenge Grant Year: 2022
Project Category: Public space activation
Description: The El Rito Library has long been a gathering place for residents of rural Rio Arriba County -- an area of New Mexico that lacks public spaces for people to socialize. To make its campus more inviting, the library added benches, bike repair stations, tables and chairs and native landscaping to its outdoor space. Organizers hope the improvements allow visitors to deepen social connections with one another. In the future, the library plans to add to the upgrades by constructing a stage for performances and exploring the possibility of installing solar panels.
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 New Mexico State Office
535 Cerrillos Road
Suite A
Santa Fe, NM 87501
United States