See More Projects Like This One

Springfield, MO

AARP Community Challenge Grant Year: 2021

Project Category: Public space activation

Description: In the 1980s, many businesses moved out of Springfield's downtown. But in recent years, a new generation of entrepreneurs, artists and gig workers have begun repopulating the city's main commercial district. In light of the area's new vibrancy, the Commercial Street Community Improvement District is working to market the area and tell its story. The CID created a series of parklets with outdoor seating to give visitors a space to socialize and relax. They also commissioned a local artist to create a mural, using community feedback to inform the final design. The mural fits within a larger street art project. CID organizers say they hope these improvements will help the community develop a renewed sense of place.

Baltimore, MD

AARP Community Challenge Grant Year: 2020

Project Category: Public space activation

Description: This project helped prepare the ground for Rachael Wilson Memorial Park, named in honor of Maryland's first woman firefighter to be killed in the line of duty. To clear room for park amenities, Bon Secours Community Works removed two sections of concrete foundation, left over from the foundations of abandoned homes that once sat on the site. Project organizers also planted 30 trees. The new greenspace is the result of a grassroots effort by two longtime West Baltimore residents and advocates. Today, the park features new playground equipment and a mural painted by a local artist, which pays tribute to Rachael Wilson.

Ludington, MI

AARP Community Challenge Grant Year: 2022

Project Category: Public space activation

Description: This project installed picnic tables on the grounds of Big Sable Lighthouse to provide a place for visitors to rest.

Nearby AARP Community Challenge Projects

Kansas City, KS

AARP Community Challenge Grant Year: 2024

Project Category: Community Gardens

Description: This project will revitalize an underused community garden to provide organic, free produce and a space for educational programming. The neighborhood association will install irrigation, build sheds, spray fruit trees, rehab raised beds and compost garden waste.

Kansas City, KS

AARP Community Challenge Grant Year: 2024

Project Category: Accessibility of amenities

Description: The county will install benches at several locations across Kansas City, Kansas, including at bus stops, parks and social service facilities.

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 Kansas State Office

6220 SW 29th Street
Suite 300
Topeka, KS 66614
United States

Phone: 866-448-3619
Fax: 785-232-8259
Email: [email protected]