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Woonsocket, RI
AARP Community Challenge Grant Year: 2022
Project Category: Public space activation
Description: This project transformed the area outside the Aging Well older adult center into a safe, inviting space for outdoor exercise, as well as a gathering place.
Evanston, WY
AARP Community Challenge Grant Year: 2024
Project Category: Public space activation
Description: Two historic public spaces in Evanston lacked features that encouraged active use, leaving older adults with few options for social engagement. To change that, the city installed three concrete game tables for ping pong, foosball and chess/checkers, with wheelchair-friendly seating and using donated equipment. Volunteers helped assemble the tables, creating vibrant spaces for low-impact physical and mental activity. The durable tables are expected to draw visitors for years. A project leader said, "The day after the game tables were out, we heard a good story about a community member's granddaughter playing foosball with her dad. She had the best time and couldn't wait to play again."
Chillicothe, OH
AARP Community Challenge Grant Year: 2023
Project Category: Public space activation
Description: The City of Chillicothe transformed a neglected lot in the Sixth Ward into its first neighborhood park, addressing a lack of green space in an area with high obesity rates and low life expectancy. The new pocket park features ADA-compliant walkways, benches, picnic tables and a playground, all within a fenced, well-lit space. Residents now have a safe place to gather and stay active, with one grandmother sharing that her grandkids "are so excited to walk to the park and play" while she enjoys sitting nearby.
Nearby AARP Community Challenge Projects
Kihei, HI
AARP Community Challenge Grant Year: 2025
Project Category: Community Gardens
Description: This project will plant 30 fruit trees and native Hawaiian plants, creating a shaded area for older adults. The project will also include educational signage and workshops on sustainable farming practices.
Kaunakaukai, HI
AARP Community Challenge Grant Year: 2022
Project Category: Public spaces improvements to increase high-speed internet availability
Description: In Kaunakakai, where many older adults lacked internet access or confidence using technology, the foundation created an outdoor Wi-Fi hotspot and digital learning space. Volunteers and a technology educator taught kupuna how to use their phones, send photos, manage calendars and access telehealth tools. More than 40 participants attended, often staying beyond class to practice new skills. The project fostered a sense of pride and connection, with high school students helping participants learn hands-on. One instructor said, "It was a pleasure to help and give the students some hands-on experience," reflecting the shared spirit of learning the program inspired.
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