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Jacksonville, FL

AARP Community Challenge Grant Year: 2024

Project Category: Public space activation

Description: This project will install benches in the cemetery's visitor's lobby to provide comfortable seating for older veterans and those with mobility challenges. The cemetery will also made aesthetic improvements, including displaying flags representing each military branch.

Portland, ME

AARP Community Challenge Grant Year: 2021

Project Category: Public space activation

Description: Portland's central business district has a number of neglected alleyways and streetcorners. To make walking though downtown easier -- and to attract pedestrians to local businesses -- Portland Downtown activated these spaces. They enlisted residents of an assisted living facility created murals on old doors. They also brightened up two alleys with overhead lighting. Organizers say the project improved safety, created art and engaged local businesses, all while making once-derelict areas more welcoming.

Driggs, ID

AARP Community Challenge Grant Year: 2019

Project Category: Public space activation

Description: The City of Driggs hoped to attract residents of all ages to Driggs' new downtown plaza, already home to a popular bocce ball court. The solution Add games. Project organizers set up a concrete foosball table and chess table. They also added chairs built to withstand the elements. A ribbon cutting ceremony drew locals, and now the plaza sees at least 10 people a day playing the interactive games.

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.

Dover-Foxcroft, ME

AARP Community Challenge Grant Year: 2025

Project Category: Walk Audits

Description: This project will conduct five walk audits to identify locations for sidewalk and crosswalk improvements. Two community meetings will be held to discuss the audit results with residents and business owners.

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Suite 202
Portland, ME 04101
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