AARP Eye Center
AARP Livable Communities Map
See More Projects Like This One
Springfield, MO
AARP Community Challenge Grant Year: 2021
Project Category: Public space activation
Description: In the 1980s, many businesses moved out of Springfield's downtown. But in recent years, a new generation of entrepreneurs, artists and gig workers have begun repopulating the city's main commercial district. In light of the area's new vibrancy, the Commercial Street Community Improvement District is working to market the area and tell its story. The CID created a series of parklets with outdoor seating to give visitors a space to socialize and relax. They also commissioned a local artist to create a mural, using community feedback to inform the final design. The mural fits within a larger street art project. CID organizers say they hope these improvements will help the community develop a renewed sense of place.
Ludington, MI
AARP Community Challenge Grant Year: 2022
Project Category: Public space activation
Description: This project installed picnic tables on the grounds of Big Sable Lighthouse to provide a place for visitors to rest.
Orofino, ID
AARP Community Challenge Grant Year: 2023
Project Category: Public space activation
Description: This project will install ADA-compliant benches to improve walkability and create opportunities for multigenerational interaction.
Nearby AARP Community Challenge Projects
Millinocket, ME
AARP Community Challenge Grant Year: 2020
Project Category: Engaging residents in vibrant public places
Description: Residents and leaders in Millinocket, located at the foot of Mount Katahdin, are working to make the town a four-season destination for outdoor recreation. To encourage residents to get outside and interact with their neighbors, the Town held the Katahdin Snowdown, a winter event. Activities included ice skating, snowshoeing, snow art and a bonfire. Organizers offered visitors hot chocolate and coffee. In addition, the Town installed a story walk -- a series of signs along a local hiking trail that each display a portion of a storybook. Equipment purchased for the event -- including benches, pop-up tents, insulated coolers and speakers -- are now available for use at other town events. The outdoor event provided residents with an intergenerational social outing during the early months of the COVID-19 pandemic. In the years since, the Snowdown has become an annual occurrence.
Danforth, ME
AARP Community Challenge Grant Year: 2022
Project Category: Accessibility of amenities
Description: This project brought the city's Livable Communities Center up to ADA accessibility standards with a new front walkway and entryway and a renovation of its stairwell.
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 Maine State Office
53 Baxter Boulevard
Suite 202
Portland, ME 04101
United States