See More Projects Like This One

El Rito, NM

AARP Community Challenge Grant Year: 2022

Project Category: Public space activation

Description: The El Rito Library has long been a gathering place for residents of rural Rio Arriba County -- an area of New Mexico that lacks public spaces for people to socialize. To make its campus more inviting, the library added benches, bike repair stations, tables and chairs and native landscaping to its outdoor space. Organizers hope the improvements allow visitors to deepen social connections with one another. In the future, the library plans to add to the upgrades by constructing a stage for performances and exploring the possibility of installing solar panels.

Aibonito, PR

AARP Community Challenge Grant Year: 2025

Project Category: Public space activation

Description: The El Campito plaza had deteriorated, leaving older adults without a safe outdoor place to gather, exercise or socialize. Many relied on the nearby community center but lacked an accessible public space that supported mobility and everyday activity. The project secured age-friendly equipment and finalized plans for reconstruction, including low-impact fitness machines, rocking chairs and a shaded table area selected with older residents in mind. It also accelerated existing plans for full rehabilitation. Once construction is complete, the plaza will offer free exercise options, comfortable seating and a regular hub for social connection.

Project description was created using generative AI and then reviewed for accuracy.

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.

Nearby AARP Community Challenge Projects

Powers, OR

AARP Community Challenge Grant Year: 2025

Project Category: Accessibility of amenities

Description: This project will remodel City Halls lobby to be fully ADA-compliant, adding automatic doors, wheelchair access, a widened entryway, and an accessible service counter.

Brookings, OR

AARP Community Challenge Grant Year: 2025

Project Category: HomeFit Modifications

Description: Ruths Eye of the Storm addressed home safety risks faced by older adults, including survivors of domestic abuse, who were struggling to remain safely housed due to small but serious hazards inside their homes. Limited mobility, fear of approaching landlords and lack of awareness about affordable modifications made everyday conditions more dangerous. The project organized educational and demonstration events that connected older adults with simple safety solutions and trusted community partners. Participants received items such as lighting, nonskid materials and pathway supports, along with follow-up home walkthroughs to identify and address additional risks. In several cases, the work led to direct, individualized interventions that resolved urgent problems, including restoring safe access to water and bathroom facilities. One participant, after critical repairs were completed, described the impact plainly: "This is what dignity looks like."

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 Oregon State Office

9200 SE Sunnybrook Boulevard
Suite 410
Clackamas (Portland), OR 97015
United States

Phone: 866-554-5360
Fax: 503-652-9933
Email: [email protected]