AARP Hearing Center
AARP Livable Communities Map
La Crosse Area Family YMCA (2018) Print
2018 AARP Community Challenge Grantee
Project Category
Public places
└ Public space activation
└ Public space activation
La Crosse's food forest produces fruit and vegetables for the community, helps absorb stormwater runoff and serves as a communal gathering place. The forest, however, did not have seating along its many paths. To beautify the forest and give visitors a place to rest, the La Crosse Area Family YMCA created artistic benches. Younger people worked with older adult mentors to design, assemble and decorate each bench. Many pay homage to the forest, featuring images of plants and vegetables. Project organizers say the public art effort fostered intergenerational cohesion, and residents consider the new benches to be source of community pride.
Photo Gallery
Image:
Click on a photo to learn more
See More Projects Like This One
Perryville, MO
AARP Community Challenge Grant Year: 2025
Project Category: Public space activation
Description: This project will install a wayfinding sign on the courthouse lawn to help locals and visitors find businesses and attractions. The sign will benefit those who prefer physical maps, enhancing accessibility and navigation.
Southport, NC
AARP Community Challenge Grant Year: 2021
Project Category: Public space activation
Description: The stories of those buried in the John N. Smith Cemetery in Southport have never been shared with the broader community. As the only African American cemetery in the region, the John N Smith Cemetery Restoration and Preservation group created an outdoor museum onsite. The museum teaches residents about the racial and economic discrimination that Black members of that community have faced, as well as contributions residents made to the community. Project organizers designed and installed interpretive signage, as well as benches and a display board for public announcements and other information. Designed to be accessible for people of all ages, the space recounts an important part of Southport's history and culture.
Unionville, MO
AARP Community Challenge Grant Year: 2024
Project Category: Public space activation
Description: This project will upgrade an outdoor space at a senior center with patio dining sets and improved lighting. The center is located on a public square that is the site of a weekly farmers market and other community events.
Nearby AARP Community Challenge Projects
La Crosse, WI
AARP Community Challenge Grant Year: 2024
Project Category: Housing Choice Design Competitions
Description: This project will launch an accessory dwelling unit design competition to promote affordable residential development, with a focus on older adults' housing needs. Winning designs will serve as models for ADU construction, expediting the approval process for homeowners.
La Crosse, WI
AARP Community Challenge Grant Year: 2023
Project Category: Roadway/sidewalks/crosswalk improvement
Description: This project will revitalize a frequently used route and make it more accessible to residents aged 50 by adding improvements such as a new crosswalk with art, a covered bus shelter and seats, light posts with decorative banners and other amenities.
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 Wisconsin State Office
222 W Washington Avenue
Suite 600
Madison, WI 53703
United States