AARP Hearing Center
AARP Livable Communities Map
See More Projects Like This One
Sisseton, SD
AARP Community Challenge Grant Year: 2020
Project Category: Public space activation
Description: To encourage residents to walk and increase the vibrancy of Sisseton's downtown, The Sisseton Arts Council created a new community gathering spot, which they dubbed the Midway Green Space. The site features a sculpture of a reflective, eight-point star, designed to represent the area's native Dakota and Scandinavian immigrant heritage. To make the Green Space inviting to visitors, volunteers installed granite benches and seeded native grasses. Since these improvements, project organizers secured funding for a second sculpture for the site, created by a local Native artist.
Palmer Township, PA
AARP Community Challenge Grant Year: 2023
Project Category: Public space activation
Description: 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.
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.
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
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 Oregon State Office
9200 SE Sunnybrook Boulevard
Suite 410
Clackamas (Portland), OR 97015
United States