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Avoca, IA
AARP Community Challenge Grant Year: 2018
Project Category: Public space activation
Description: Avoca's Main Street already had green space and places to sit, but Avoca Public Library organizers wanted to give residents a reason to spend time downtown. To invite people in, they installed oversized, weather-proof musical instruments outside the library. Since the instruments don't require any training or talent to play, they are popular with residents of all ages. Part of the town's creative placemaking plans, the new music park is located near the site of Avoca's weekly summer farmer's market. "It's a fun part of the town now," Avoca resident Sunshine Schoeller said.
Nevada, IA
AARP Community Challenge Grant Year: 2025
Project Category: Public space activation
Description: Main Street Nevada addressed the lack of comfortable, accessible places for residents to gather downtown, where limited shade and seating made it hard for older adults and people with physical limitations to spend time outdoors. An underused alleyway offered little reason to linger, even though it sat near everyday destinations. The project transformed the space into a functional patio by adding accessible seating, shade and a level surface that supports easier movement and rest. Picnic tables, umbrellas and plants helped define the area as a welcoming place to pause and connect. After opening, older adults and other residents began using the space for casual socializing, including nearby downtown residents, creating a new gathering spot that supports social connection.
Project description was created using generative AI and then reviewed for accuracy.
Kaneohe, HI
AARP Community Challenge Grant Year: 2019
Project Category: Public space activation
Description: The Rotary Club engaged contractors and volunteers to clean up a 35,000-square-foot gravel lot on Aloha Drive that had become an eyesore. Volunteers worked with landscape architects to plant hundreds of shrubs and thousands of smaller plants throughout the lot, creating a pocket park. Leveraging a range of funding resources, organizers transformed the space into a community oasis they have dubbed Centennial Park.
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Spearfish, SD
AARP Community Challenge Grant Year: 2022
Project Category: Roadway/sidewalks/crosswalk improvement
Description: Busy street crossings and unclear signage along Spearfish's recreation path made navigation risky, especially for older adults and people with disabilities. The city addressed these issues by installing large directional signs, painting crosswalks, adding pedestrian alerts and building ADA-compliant ramps. Volunteers helped assemble signs, and a kiosk with a new map now guides users. These upgrades improved safety and accessibility, giving residents confidence to enjoy the path and inspiring additional investments to expand improvements.
Project description was created using generative AI and then reviewed for accuracy.
Edgemont, SD
AARP Community Challenge Grant Year: 2021
Project Category: Expansion and enhancement of transportation options
Description: For residents of Edgemont, the nearest health care providers are located at least 25 miles away. Furthermore, the small, rural town didn't have any public transit service. To help residents get around, the West River Transit Authority piloted a new transportation system. The Authority hired a part-time driver to provide on-demand rides three days a week. Geared toward residents who don't drive, the service also transports residents to pharmacies, grocery stores and other essential amenities. To help inform the community about the new service, the Authority advertised through mailings and local ads. Project organizers hope to continue to expand on-demand transportation offerings in the future.
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