See More Projects Like This One

Bronx, NY

AARP Community Challenge Grant Year: 2023

Project Category: Public space activation

Description: Fordham University's Center for Community Engaged Learning transformed a vacant lot in Highbridge into a weekly farmers market, tackling limited access to fresh food and services for older adults. The market offered locally grown produce, cooking demonstrations and resource tables, with seating added for comfort. It accepted multiple payment options, including assistance programs, and fostered intergenerational connections. During cooking demos, participants shared recipes and memories, with one noting the exchange "was a beautiful way to build community."

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

San Francisco, CA

AARP Community Challenge Grant Year: 2022

Project Category: Public space activation

Description: Older adults in San Francisco's Tenderloin neighborhood lacked safe outdoor spaces and faced isolation in single-room housing. The project transformed Dodge Alley with a vibrant mural, native plants, ADA-compliant benches, bistro tables and permanent string lighting. Monthly events featuring music, art and games turned the alley into a welcoming gathering spot. Residents now help maintain the space, and city agencies plan further upgrades.

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

Nashville, TN

AARP Community Challenge Grant Year: 2021

Project Category: Public space activation

Description: To help older adults age in place in their community, Rebuilding Together Nashville made improvements to three community spaces in the Bordeaux neighborhood. The nonprofit gathered feedback from residents to choose which spaces to update. At FiftyForward Bordeaux -- a senior center -- volunteers installed a shade structure, allowing visitors to comfortably gather outdoors. They also added a shed onsite and updated the center's interior, including painting and installing shelving. The Infinity Center is an after-school center that hosts children's theater and community classes. There, volunteers replaced windows, sealed water leaks and repaired a dilapidated deck. Finally, they helped Brooklyn Heights Community Garden transition from a group of raised beds to a full-scale urban farm. Volunteers demolished and moved old garden beds and prepared the site for a new pack and wash station, greenhouse and production garden.

Nearby AARP Community Challenge Projects

Milwaukee, WI

AARP Community Challenge Grant Year: 2023

Project Category: Engaging people in transportation options/safety

Description: Reckless driving left many residents, especially older adults, feeling unsafe and isolated. To address this, the city launched a traffic calming lending library stocked with cones, looper tubes and other materials. In addition, it partnered with Wisconsin Bike Fed to host workshops and street demonstrations. Residents tested options like traffic circles and curb extensions and learned about permanent solutions. The hands-on approach gave older adults a voice in street design and sparked plans to expand the program, update guidelines and make neighborhoods safer for walking.

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

Milwaukee, WI

AARP Community Challenge Grant Year: 2020

Project Category: Park enhancements

Description: As part of the ongoing efforts to improve Gardner Park, the City of Milwaukee added a new community gathering space. Located in the Menomonee River Hills neighborhood, the intergenerational space features a gravel patio area, as well as wheelchair-accessible tables with built-in game boards, benches, an information kiosk and new landscaping. Previously, the City installed a new playground, walking path and fitness equipment at the park. Project organizers say in recent years the neighborhood has welcomed an influx of new families -- including those from the Hmong community -- underscoring the need for a public space for neighbors to meet and socialize.

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