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2022 AARP Community Challenge Grantee
Project Category
Public places
└ Public art installations
└ Public art installations
Lihue's downtown faced unsafe, car-centric streets that limited walkability for residents, especially older adults. To address this, the project added murals to bus shelters and a crosswalk, built a community garden and hosted a dinner where attendees voted on mural designs. Volunteers expanded the garden and engaged older adults in shaping public space. These efforts sparked new partnerships and funding for future improvements like street trees and additional gardens. As one volunteer said, "We're not only growing food, we're growing community," underscoring the project's role in fostering connection and livability.
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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See More Projects Like This One
Newton, KS
AARP Community Challenge Grant Year: 2023
Project Category: Public art installations
Description: Downtown Newton needed a way to connect generations and enliven Railroad Park near the train station. Newton Murals & Arts Project created a metal mural featuring Kansas-themed figures and papel picado designs, with local students submitting artwork and welding pieces. Volunteers and students celebrated their work at a ribbon cutting, and the mural now offers travelers and residents a vibrant stop. "It is a wonderful thing to deliver a project in the community that is possible because of all the people who get involved and help make it happen," said a project lead. Plans for lighting and seating will further enhance the space as the mural naturally ages into a lasting attraction.
Elizabeth, NJ
AARP Community Challenge Grant Year: 2022
Project Category: Public art installations
Description: After the pandemic, residents of Elizabeth faced isolation and lacked safe, vibrant spaces for connection. Kean University Foundation created a walkable art trail with banner murals inspired by residents' stories, plus painted play areas and benches. Older adults collaborated with students and volunteers to design and paint murals, while Echo Show displays in community rooms let residents share photos and stories. The project reduced isolation and strengthened community ties. "I don't think everyone living here knew they could write poems... and they see it every day," said one participant.
Charlotte, NC
AARP Community Challenge Grant Year: 2021
Project Category: Public art installations
Description: Charlotte's Little Sugar Creek Greenway is a popular place for pedestrians, but the path through the Parkwood underpass tunnel was dark and uninviting. Working with local partners, Brand the Moth gave the tunnel new life. The organization commissioned two local artists to design a mural, which volunteers helped install during a community paint day. The new artwork represents Charlotte's people, communities and nature. Residents and visitors can now take a walking tour through the mural. Project organizers say they hope the public art project attracts more people to use the greenway.
Nearby AARP Community Challenge Projects
Lihue, HI
AARP Community Challenge Grant Year: 2023
Project Category: Housing Choice Design Competitions
Description: High housing costs in Līhu‘e left older adults and families struggling for affordable options. Better Block Hawaii hosted a design competition for climate-resilient, age-friendly accessory dwelling units, engaging residents through workshops and a review committee. Eight submissions were received, and winning designs were published in a free booklet to guide future builds. "This is a home I can imagine living in," said one attendee at the community open house. The project raised awareness of ADUs as a practical solution for housing and supplemental income and sparked interest in similar efforts across Hawaii.
Lihue, HI
AARP Community Challenge Grant Year: 2025
Project Category: Park enhancements
Description: This project will support field repairs and maintenance, build storage facilities, and improve restrooms. The league has 14 teams for players age 55 and over.
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