Los Angeles, CA

AARP Community Challenge Grant Year: 2020

Project Category: Engaging residents in vibrant public places

Description: The Los Angeles State Historic Park's team wanted to figure out why older adults in the Chinese community were unlikely to visit the park, even though many live less than a half mile away. To increase engagement with this community, Los Angeles River State Park Partners connected with a key elder who helped with outreach efforts and translation. They then collected survey responses during a food distribution event, which provided information about park use and resource needs. Ahead of that event, they distributed flyers in Chinese advertising a giveaway of collapsible shopping carts. Interpreters were on hand during the gathering and the organization distributed nearly 500 bags of culturally appropriate produce. After the event, the River State Park Partners continued their engagement efforts by offering weekly Tai Chi classes. Project organizers say that since these efforts, more people have visited the park and taken advantage of its programs.

Los Angeles, CA

AARP Community Challenge Grant Year: 2025

Project Category: Pedestrian Safety

Description: Older adults faced safety risks when parked cars blocked visibility at crosswalks, even after a new daylighting law was adopted. Outreach was challenging in communities experiencing fear and disruption tied to enforcement activity. Los Angeles Walks used small, trust-based workshops and walk audits to explain daylighting through arts-based activities and bilingual discussion rather than ticketing. One organizer noted that older adults still found ways to lead quiet, neighbor-to-neighbor education. The project strengthened understanding of daylighting and supported continued advocacy for safer intersections.

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