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Los Angeles River State Park Partners (2020) Print
2020 AARP Community Challenge Grantee
Project Category
Public places
└ Engaging residents in vibrant public places
└ Engaging residents in vibrant public places
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.
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AARP Community Challenge Grant Year: 2021
Project Category: Engaging residents in vibrant public places
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Jackson, MS
AARP Community Challenge Grant Year: 2019
Project Category: Engaging residents in vibrant public places
Description: To recast public spaces for people rather than vehicle traffic, the City of Jackson launched an Open Streets initiative. First, the City installed a parklet -- a small park that fits in the footprint of a parking space. "The parklet is just one component of us trying to make Congress Street more pedestrian-friendly. This street was a very automobile-oriented street. It was very traffic heavy. It was very busy," urban designer Travis Crabree said. The City painted a mural onsite. To demarcate the space, project organizers also painted vibrant blue dots along the street, demarking it as a place to gather. Additionally, the City purchased picnic tables and flexible furniture, which it set out in Smith Park. Local organizations -- such as the Parks and Recreation Department -- can now use the furniture for downtown events.
Nearby AARP Community Challenge Projects
Compton, CA
AARP Community Challenge Grant Year: 2022
Project Category: Park enhancements
Description: Residents of Compton lack access to greenspace compared to their neighbors in other parts of Los Angeles County. Over several years, the Los Angeles Conservation Corps has worked to create the Compton Creek Natural Park, giving neighbors of all ages a place to gather outdoors. As part of those efforts, the nonprofit hosted a community tree planting event. After receiving training on the importance of native tree species and their care, volunteers worked to removed old trees on the site and replace them with new, drought-tolerant species. Additionally, they planted native vegetation. Organizers say the new park will improve residents' mental and physical health, give them a place to socialize and foster environmental stewardship.
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.
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