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Westbrook, ME
AARP Community Challenge Grant Year: 2026
Project Category: Public space activation
Description: Movable seating, outdoor games and small upgrades will be added to underused public spaces downtown. These changes will support longer visits, social gatherings and everyday use while connecting people to nearby shops and events.
Wolcott, VT
AARP Community Challenge Grant Year: 2021
Project Category: Public space activation
Description: The Town of Wolcott lacked greenspace for community members to enjoy, so the Town transformed an unused space behind the local library into a new park. Dubbed Depot Park, the space includes a community garden with raised beds, as well as a public trailhead. To draw people in, volunteers installed outdoor games, solar-powered lighting, seating and free Wi-Fi access. Organizers wanted to make the park a year-round amenity, so they included a patio heater and bonfire. Additionally, the local fire department created a temporary ice-skating rink onsite. After completing the activation, the Town hosted its first community event in decades at Depot Park. Today, the library holds children's reading circles there. Plus, community members can harvest vegetables for free from the garden.
Henderson, NV
AARP Community Challenge Grant Year: 2026
Project Category: Public space activation
Description: An underused patio will be converted into an ADA-compliant outdoor area with game tables and a shaded garden space. The upgraded setting will encourage light activity, conversation and time outdoors for older adults.
Nearby AARP Community Challenge Projects
Upper Darby, PA
AARP Community Challenge Grant Year: 2019
Project Category: Public art installations
Description: A new mural brought renewed activity and improved safety to Upper Darby Township's downtown. Volunteers -- including older adults, artists, students and art teachers -- designed and created the 135-foot mural, which is located in a breezeway connecting a parking lot to retail and entertainment options. Its design incorporates greetings in 60 languages -- reflecting community members' native tongues -- and older adults' input helped ensure its imagery reflected the region's history. Project organizers also added new lighting and seating to the breezeway. Community response has been positive. "I really enjoy the walk from the garage to the office building," one local worker said. "It is cleaner and well-lit. The colorful mural provides an uplifting view and I believe that it encourages people to care a bit more about the area...There is such diversity in culture here." Going forward, the Township plans to use the site for small pop-up events, such as a Music at the Mural performance.
Philadelphia, PA
AARP Community Challenge Grant Year: 2026
Project Category: Public space improvements to increase high-speed internet availability
Description: A neighborhood grocery hub will expand access to affordable, nutritious food and provide free Wi‑Fi and shared devices. Hands‑on tech support will help older adults access telehealth and benefits while staying connected.
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