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La Colaborativa Inc. (2023) Print
2023 AARP Community Challenge Grantee
Project Category
Public places
└ Public space activation
└ Public space activation
Chelsea lacked spaces that reflect its Latinx culture, leaving older adults without a welcoming place to gather while accessing essential services. La Colaborativa addressed this by creating La Plazita, an outdoor pavilion connected to the new Survival Center, featuring covered tables, art and music. Completed in late 2023, the plaza now hosts cultural celebrations and offers respite from daily challenges. It has become a multi-generational hub that restores a sense of identity and is expected to inspire similar spaces in other communities.
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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Roundup, MT
AARP Community Challenge Grant Year: 2021
Project Category: Public space activation
Description: The large public space in the Roundup's downtown lacked accessible seating. As part of its historic preservation and economic development work, Roundup Community Partners added picnic tables and benches to the plaza. The new seating is designed to be accessible for visitors of all ages and abilities. The plaza sits on the town's Main Street and project organizers hope the seating helps incentivize residents and visitors to shop and eat downtown. "Thanks to our local leaders and AARP, Roundup's Welcome Plaza is a dynamic hub for the community that increases local commerce, strengthens local pride, and broadens awareness of Roundup's history," Roundup Mayor Sandra Jones said of the project.
Green River, UT
AARP Community Challenge Grant Year: 2021
Project Category: Public space activation
Description: As Epicenter worked to complete its Canal Commons affordable housing development, organizers set out to create an accessible greenspace for future residents. Located in the desert city of Green River, the pocket neighborhood lacks access to walking trails, sidewalks and parks. To address this, Epicenter installed concrete walkways. To allow residents to gather outdoors at night -- and avoid the hot, desert sun -- organizers installed LED lighting along the path. Wayfinding signage helps residents navigate the path, as well as the larger neighborhood. The space also features a picnic table, ADA-compliant benches and raised garden beds. Epicenter prioritized universal design elements for the greenspace to ensure people can age in place at Canal Commons.
Albuquerque, NM
AARP Community Challenge Grant Year: 2018
Project Category: Public space activation
Description: The weekly La Familia Growers Market in the Dolores Huerta Gateway Park provides South Valley residents with locally grown produce. To support the market's role as a culturally significant gathering space, project organizers purchased tables, chairs, a storage shed and cafe-style lights. They also procured materials to construct a horno -- a traditional outdoor oven made of adobe. Since then, the market has hosted free weekly musical performances and traditional cooking workshops, as well as the La Familia Growers Market Harvest Festival, attended by more than 500 people. In addition, project organizers conducted interviews with older community members - part of an oral history project.
Nearby AARP Community Challenge Projects
Chelsea, MA
AARP Community Challenge Grant Year: 2019
Project Category: Public art installations
Description: With the addition of public art, a block of Division Street became a welcoming, safe passageway through downtown Chelsea for pedestrians and cyclists. Community members created 25 pieces of art to adorn the street. Artists painted three full-scale murals, including one created alongside students from a local school, as well as several mini murals. Local older adults also installed art panels. To improve mobility, the City added new sidewalks and repaved the roadway. This project spurred local artists and creatives to form a network and increased support for public art among local property owners. Project organizers say its success represents an important first step to link the heart of downtown with Chelsea's waterfront.
Chelsea, MA
AARP Community Challenge Grant Year: 2025
Project Category: Reconnect Communities
Description: Many older adults struggled with food insecurity, chronic conditions and limited access to culturally responsive care. La Colaborativa expanded home deliveries, mobile produce events and community meals to provide reliable, nutritious food. Staff offered screenings, nutrition education and help navigating systems while wellness check-ins built trust. One participant said weekly visits made them feel remembered and more confident managing their health as they began attending community gatherings. The work strengthened stability, improved chronic condition management and created a sustainable model linking food, social support and preventive care.
Project description was created using generative AI and then reviewed for accuracy.
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