See More Projects Like This One

Bethel Region, ME

AARP Community Challenge Grant Year: 2021

Project Category: Public space activation

Description: To provide residents with places to sit and gather, the Bethel Age-Friendly Community partnered with local artists and craftspeople to create benches and picnic tables. As a thank-you to organizations that have supported age-friendly work in the region, organizers gave the seating to partner organizations who assist with age-friendly programming, events and volunteer efforts. The benches and tables now sit in each of the six towns that make up the Bethel region. Each table is adorned with a chess board and each bench features decorations that pay homage to the town where it sits, with volunteers chipping in to paint the furniture. Organizers say they hope the project demonstrates the value of simple public space enhancements.

Morrilton, AR

AARP Community Challenge Grant Year: 2018

Project Category: Public space activation

Description: With the addition of several new hammocks near Morrilton's nature trail and park, the Parks and Recreation Department provided a place for all ages to pause, lean back and relax. According to the City, the installation has led drivers to slow down to look at the hammock farm, with some visitors trying out hammocks for the first time.

Berlin, MD

AARP Community Challenge Grant Year: 2018

Project Category: Public space activation

Description: To give people a place to sit, rest and enjoy a meal, the Town of Berlin purchased tables and seating. The Town sets up the outdoor furniture during events on Main Street. The new amenities also make downtown more accessible, since older adults and people with mobility challenges have a space to rest. Since the improvements, project organizers say residents no longer need to sit on the curb as they eat their lunch.

Nearby AARP Community Challenge Projects

Hayesville, NC

AARP Community Challenge Grant Year: 2017

Project Category: Access to health care services

Description: Hinton Rural Life Center, located in the Appalachian Mountains in western North Carolina, serves as a religious retreat and conference center. It also provides firewood, gardening and home repair assistance and other services to rural residents. The Center trained two staffers in Mental Health First Aid, a program focused on intervention strategies for people experiencing a mental health crisis or developing mental health problems. After five days of instruction, the two officials then passed along their knowledge at a training with nearly 30 other community members. Today, the Center continues to offer training sessions in Mental Health First Aid to local organizations and churches.

Nicholson, GA

AARP Community Challenge Grant Year: 2025

Project Category: Digital Connections Other

Description: Photos and stories honoring local veterans were at risk of fading from public view, leaving families and community members unaware of a shared history that holds deep meaning for many older adults. The library addressed this by digitizing the Veterans Wall of Honor and creating a permanent digital display that is easy to access and expand. Residents were encouraged to contribute photos and information, growing the collection and bringing new visibility to the Wall. When the updated display was unveiled during a community Veterans Day program, attendees reacted emotionally as they saw their own images or those of deceased loved ones recognized. The digital format now protects these stories from deterioration and allows the Wall to continue growing, ensuring that veterans service and sacrifice remain visible to future generations.

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

people icon

Download or order free publications from AARP Livable Communities

download icon

Sign up for the free, weekly, award-winning AARP Livable Communities eNewsletter

mail icon

Don't see your community listed?

LEARN HOW IT CAN JOIN THE NETWORK

Connect 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 Georgia State Office

999 Peachtree Street NE
Suite 1110
Atlanta, GA 30309
United States

Phone: 866-295-7281
Fax: 404-881-6997
Email: [email protected]