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Noxubee County Historical Society (2022) Print
2022 AARP Community Challenge Grantee
Project Category
Public places
└ Public space activation
└ Public space activation
Older adults in Macon lacked a central space for civic engagement. To combat this, the historical society repurposed its Welcome Center into a community hub. The project added kitchen appliances and A/V equipment and hosted events like community town halls, workshops and holiday programs. Volunteers supported activities and outreach, helping attract hundreds of residents. As one board member shared, "AARP enabled the Society to broaden its perspective; welcome our entire community; and reach higher in its goals." The center now anchors inclusive gatherings and economic development efforts.
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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Lemmon, SD
AARP Community Challenge Grant Year: 2024
Project Category: Public space activation
Description: Older adults in Lemmon lacked accessible spaces to rest or gather, and the Palace Theater offered no easy entry for those with mobility challenges. To address this, the arts council installed a movable parklet with seating and a ramp, creating a welcoming spot for walkers and hosting monthly arts events like wool-spinning workshops and live music during the town celebration. The project proved the value of public gathering spaces, sparking plans for permanent bump-outs and green space.
Baltimore, MD
AARP Community Challenge Grant Year: 2022
Project Category: Public space activation
Description: Residents in West Baltimore lacked safe, welcoming spaces for connection, and older adults had few opportunities to engage in programs that fostered social ties. The organization transformed a neglected alley into a vibrant gathering space by installing a large outdoor library with built-in lighting, a rooftop planter and benched seating. For the first time, residents can sit and participate in programs like Storytime at The Oasis. The project improved safety and sparked excitement for literacy programming-residents are donating books and volunteering for readings-and is expected to strengthen intergenerational relationships and boost property values.
Elkhorn, WI
AARP Community Challenge Grant Year: 2024
Project Category: Public space activation
Description: Elkhorn lacked an outdoor space designed for older adults, leaving many residents with mobility challenges and few options for social connection. The Chamber transformed a vacant downtown lot into an ADA-accessible park with clustered seating, lighting, tables and a water feature. The space quickly hosted major events, including a high school reunion and a holiday festival, and is now reserved for dementia-friendly programs and book clubs. A local business owner who uses a wheelchair said that he was able to fully utilize the space for the first time and that it felt effortless, underscoring its inclusive design and lasting impact.
Nearby AARP Community Challenge Projects
Aliceville, AL
AARP Community Challenge Grant Year: 2024
Project Category: Access to high-speed internet
Description: Residents relied on an aging computer lab because many homes lacked internet, leaving older adults disconnected from essential services and job opportunities. The library upgraded its lab with 18 new computers, added three circulation desk systems and a laptop for presentations. They also scheduled classes tailored for older adults. The improvements enabled job fairs and streamlined service, while helping patrons gain confidence online. One older adult said she was thrilled to email friends and access social media, a change that strengthened her connection to family and community.
Starkville, MS
AARP Community Challenge Grant Year: 2019
Project Category: Roadway/sidewalks/crosswalk improvement
Description: Community-based organization Keep Starkville Beautiful updated a busy transportation corridor to calm traffic, increase safety and make the area more pleasant. The organization repaired a crumbling retaining wall and added built-in planters and pollinator patch gardens. A local artist created a colorful pavement pattern in the intersection of Whitfield and Scales Streets. Keep Starkville Beautiful also made improvements to a bus stop, installing a new ADA-compliant seating and waiting area and adding an arbor framed by planters to provide shade. Local residents provided much of the labor for the upgrades during community work days.
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