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Northern Tier Center for Health (2024) Print
2024 AARP Community Challenge Grantee
Project Category
Public places
└ Public space activation
└ Public space activation
Richford lacked outdoor spaces for older adults to socialize and stay active, leaving many isolated despite frequent visits to the health center. The project created an outdoor Welcome Center with seating, raised garden beds, an informational kiosk and a lending pantry. Weather-resistant tables and umbrellas encourage outdoor meals and community interaction. Residents now enjoy a scenic, accessible space for gatherings and health-focused events. One staff member shared how his mother, a housing tenant, now joins him for lunch outside-a simple change fostering connection and well-being.
Project description was created using generative AI and then reviewed for accuracy.
Project description was created using generative AI and then reviewed for accuracy.
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Columbia, SC
AARP Community Challenge Grant Year: 2017
Project Category: Public space activation
Description: The City of Columbia set out to provide outdoor seating along Main Street, an area that attracts pedestrians and hosts events that draw visitors from the surrounding region. Project organizers say that people now have a spot to work on their laptops, enjoy a cup of coffee or take in a meal from nearby food trucks. Although staff originally removed and stored the tables at the end of each day, their popularity spurred the City to leave them out permanently. And when the COVID-19 pandemic hit, the colorful tables and chairs provided residents with a safe space to gather outside. Because the seating is heavily used, the City has explored more ways to provide seating on Main Street.
Lena, MS
AARP Community Challenge Grant Year: 2026
Project Category: Public space activation
Description: Damaged sections of a popular walking track will be repaired and a covered pavilion with seating will be added. These improvements will create safer walking conditions and offer a shaded place for rest and informal gatherings.
Santa Fe, NM
AARP Community Challenge Grant Year: 2026
Project Category: Public space activation
Description: The organization will improve paths, seating and accessibility features at a community farm next to an expanded public trail. These upgrades will help older adults visit, rest and participate in farm programs safely.
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Belvidere, VT
AARP Community Challenge Grant Year: 2026
Project Category: Walk Audits
Description: Walk audits will evaluate pedestrian routes linking the central school, town forest and recreation field. Community review sessions will produce a walkability map that supports safer access to shared spaces.
Newport, VT
AARP Community Challenge Grant Year: 2019
Project Category: Trails
Description: Newport's downtown sits on the southern shore of Lake Memphremagog, which extends north to Canada. But because privately-owned businesses and homes cut off the Newport's downtown from the lake, public access to the water was limited. With its Look to the Lake initiative, the town hoped to reorient itself to take advantage of lake activities -- something town officials hoped would have economic development benefits. When a local business owner offered up his private land to create a pedestrian connector trail and boat docks, the City was able to develop the waterfront. Grant funding enabled construction of a much-needed bridge at the site. Since then, the City has acquired more waterfront land, allowing it to create new trails and connect existing ones. The City has also added a parklet at the Newport Waterfront Recreational Trail's trailhead. Today, Newport residents have access to a seven-mile lakefront corridor.
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