AARP Hearing Center
AARP Livable Communities Map
Paza, Tree of Life (2023) Print
2023 AARP Community Challenge Grantee
Project Category
Public places
└ Public space activation
└ Public space activation
Palmer Township lacked an inclusive outdoor space for cultural learning and community connection. Paza partnered with the township to create a Unity Garden featuring a Native American-inspired sculpture, medicinal plants and pollinators. A wheelchair-accessible path and benches were added, and the site was dedicated with a ceremonial blessing. The garden is now a permanent feature maintained by the library for ongoing programs. "I am proud of the change that Paza has ignited," said a local leader after the township recognized Indigenous Peoples Day, signaling lasting cultural impact.
Project description was created using generative AI and then reviewed for accuracy.
Project description was created using generative AI and then reviewed for accuracy.
Photo Gallery
Image:
Click on a photo to learn more
See More Projects Like This One
Jackson, MS
AARP Community Challenge Grant Year: 2018
Project Category: Public space activation
Description: The City of Jackson set out to demonstrate the value of vibrant public spaces. This project was part of larger open streets efforts, which close streets to vehicle traffic residents to gather, walk and play there. First, the City created a parklet on Congress Street in St. Paul's downtown. The temporary mini-park fit in the footprint of an on-street parking space. The City outfitted the space with outdoor furniture, allowing residents to relax and socialize. Organizers say the parklet also drove business to local restaurants, providing outdoor dining space for customers. To gauge residents' reaction to the space, the City conducted a survey during the pop-up. The City has since worked to develop guidelines for parklet creation, allowing local businesses to set up their own outdoor spaces.
New Ulm, MN
AARP Community Challenge Grant Year: 2018
Project Category: Public space activation
Description: Downtown Action Team partnered with Minnesota Main Street to encourage residents of all ages to come downtown, walk down main street and learn about local history. To encourage socializing, they rearranged underutilized benches downtown, grouping some with new outdoor tables to create places for residents to sit and linger. Organizers installed plaques featuring photos and a brief narrative on the benches. Additionally, they adorned tabled with imagery and text explaining New Ulm's history.
Evanston, WY
AARP Community Challenge Grant Year: 2024
Project Category: Public space activation
Description: Two historic public spaces in Evanston lacked features that encouraged active use, leaving older adults with few options for social engagement. To change that, the city installed three concrete game tables for ping pong, foosball and chess/checkers, with wheelchair-friendly seating and using donated equipment. Volunteers helped assemble the tables, creating vibrant spaces for low-impact physical and mental activity. The durable tables are expected to draw visitors for years. A project leader said, "The day after the game tables were out, we heard a good story about a community member's granddaughter playing foosball with her dad. She had the best time and couldn't wait to play again."
Project description was created using generative AI and then reviewed for accuracy.
Nearby AARP Community Challenge Projects
Easton, PA
AARP Community Challenge Grant Year: 2024
Project Category: Walk Audits
Description: A walk audit during the group's Healthfest revealed cracked sidewalks, blocked ramps and unsafe crossings in downtown Easton, limiting mobility for older adults. The audit led to recommendations for repairs, wheelchair-accessible paths and pedestrian-controlled signals at key intersections. Findings were shared with city officials to prompt safety improvements. "Incorporating the Walk Audit was very enlightening to help the...population of downtown Easton," organizers said, noting the effort gave residents a voice in shaping safer streets.
Project description was created using generative AI and then reviewed for accuracy.
Northampton, PA
AARP Community Challenge Grant Year: 2025
Project Category: Digital navigation skills
Description: Northampton County addressed barriers faced by older adults as everyday services moved online. Many residents lacked the skills, support or devices needed to use the internet safely and confidently. The county hosted three in-person digital training events that offered one-on-one instruction from volunteers and students, with hands-on help tailored to individual needs such as connecting to Wi-Fi, improving device performance, protecting privacy and completing common online tasks. Eligible participants also received refurbished devices through the county device giveaway program. Older adults left with practical skills and greater confidence using digital tools to stay connected and manage daily needs. The strong response expanded demand for device distribution and reinforced the county's digital navigator approach, supporting plans to continue and grow these efforts beyond the initial events.
Project description was created using generative AI and then reviewed for accuracy.
LEARN MORE AND STAY INFORMED
Find articles and resources about making communities more livable for people of all ages
Download or order free publications from AARP Livable Communities
Sign up for the free, weekly, award-winning AARP Livable Communities eNewsletter
Don't see your community listed?
LEARN HOW IT CAN JOIN THE NETWORKConnect with your AARP State Office
AARP has offices in all 50 states as well as in the District of Columbia, Puerto Rico and the U.S. Virgin Islands.
AARP Pennsylvania State Office
30 North 3rd Street
Suite 920
Harrisburg, PA 17101
United States