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Clyde, KS

AARP Community Challenge Grant Year: 2024

Project Category: Public space activation

Description: Downtown Clyde lacked a safe, welcoming space for gatherings, leaving older adults without an accessible venue for celebrations and casual meetups. The project installed pathway, bistro and landscape lighting across the new Village Green. This illuminatied walkways, seating areas and a mural, while adding color-changing lights to a water feature for seasonal appeal. Exterior lights improved safety around the vendor building. Residents now enjoy a secure, vibrant space for milestone events and daily interactions. One donor said, "I'm so proud of the City of Clyde for its efforts," and noted the positive effect on family and community.

Project description was created using generative AI and then reviewed for accuracy.

Newfolden, MN

AARP Community Challenge Grant Year: 2025

Project Category: Public space activation

Description: City of Newfolden set out to solve a clear problem: older adults who rely on the local Senior Center had no accessible outdoor place to meet, socialize or enjoy fresh air. The city created a gathering space with ADA compliant seating, weather-ready awnings and table scapes designed for wheelchairs, giving residents a comfortable place for conversation, meals and games. The improvements support daily connection and help older adults stay engaged in community life. Final pieces, including two custom table scapes, will complete the site. Local students and volunteers will help activate the area, strengthening intergenerational ties and long term use.

Project description was created using generative AI and then reviewed for accuracy.

Wayne, MI

AARP Community Challenge Grant Year: 2017

Project Category: Public space activation

Description: Derby's Alley, located in downtown Wayne, was underutilized, but organizers with Wayne Ripple Effect saw its potential as a community gathering space. To showcase the alley, the organization held eight fitness classes, including Tai Chi and cardio drumming instruction. They also installed bistro tables, benches and overhead lighting in the alley. Since then, Wayne Main Street has improved landscaping in the alley and added signage.

Nearby AARP Community Challenge Projects

Grand Rapids, MI

AARP Community Challenge Grant Year: 2023

Project Category: Community Gardens

Description: Long Michigan winters left older adults at Reflections Apartments isolated and unable to garden, a key source of connection and activity. Dwelling Place built an ADA-compliant greenhouse through five volunteer events, engaging many community members and local partners. The space extends the growing season and supports a seed-starting program led by residents. Older adults now plan to grow culturally relevant vegetables and share stories tied to gardening traditions, turning the greenhouse into a year-round hub for wellness and social connection.

Project description was created using generative AI and then reviewed for accuracy.

Grand Rapids, MI

AARP Community Challenge Grant Year: 2020

Project Category: Trails

Description: To encourage residents to walk and socialize, the North End Wellness Coalition installed seven benches along the North Quarter Pathways, an urban walking trail in Grand Rapids' Creston neighborhood. The ADA-compliant seating is designed to accommodate residents with limited mobility. To promote walking on the Pathways' five trail loops, the Coalition also founded an Active Living Team, which is working to plan community events and programming. Project organizers say working with City staff to install the benches laid the ground for other improvements throughout Grand Rapids, including upgrades to local parks and new scooter and bike racks.

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