Santa Rosa Beach, FL

AARP Community Challenge Grant Year: 2022

Project Category: Public space activation

Description: Older adults in Walton County had few options for outdoor recreation and social connection. To address this, the county transformed a library courtyard into a gaming garden with a ping-pong table, chess table and corn hole set. These additions created a welcoming space for residents to gather and stay active. The project introduced a new venue for multigenerational interaction and prompted plans for future upgrades, including walkways to improve accessibility.

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

Rapid City, SD

AARP Community Challenge Grant Year: 2017

Project Category: Public space activation

Description: To increase awareness of the local book club and other community activities, NeighborWorks designed and installed 30 flags in the North Rapid neighborhood. A local artists created designs for the flags and residents worked together to approve wording for each one. Volunteers then installed flags on utility poles throughout the neighborhood. Project organizers say that since the flags appeared, local groups have received inquiries about how to become more involved in local activities.

Bath, ME

AARP Community Challenge Grant Year: 2021

Project Category: Public space activation

Description: Organizers with Age-Friendly Communities of Lower Kennebec and City of Bath hoped to create inclusive public spaces for residents of all ages to enjoy. They worked with students to install outdoor chess and checkers tables at a new downtown plaza and a near a local assisted living facility. The tables are ADA accessible include benches designed for people of all ages and abilities. A spectator bench allows onlookers to take a seat and watch the players. To ensure all community members can play, game sets are available for loan at the local library and nearby businesses.