Oconomowoc, WI

AARP Community Challenge Grant Year: 2017

Project Category: Public space activation

Description: This alley activation project turned a stark passageway between the lakefront and downtown retail into a livelier pedestrian link. Project organizers added a painted design on the pavement and constructed trellises to provide shade. The City chose not to close the alleyway during the transformation work. Instead, passersby were invited to lend a hand to the rejuvenation process by painting a faux floor tile (or several). This also allowed visitors to ask questions about the transformation happening before their eyes. The project sparked conversations about how to activate the other downtown alleys, each with its own unique look and distinctive experience. And when the City reconstructed its boardwalk, it borrowed the trellis design used in the alleyway. "People now change their routes to experience the walkway," city planner Kristi Weber said. "It gets folks to lift their heads up, look around and enjoy some untraditional and unexpected art."

Richmond, ME

AARP Community Challenge Grant Year: 2024

Project Category: Public space activation

Description: Richmond's Main Street offered no seating, making uphill walks difficult for older adults and limiting social interaction. After preparing the site, Lifelong Richmond installed seven benches with volunteer support, creating safe resting spots near shops and the library. The benches quickly became gathering places for errands and events, reducing isolation and encouraging outdoor activity. Residents praised the change during the town's holiday celebration, and officials plan to add more benches to expand access.

Athens, AL

AARP Community Challenge Grant Year: 2023

Project Category: Public space activation

Description: The project addressed long-standing accessibility issues at the farmers market, where older adults often struggled with heavy tables and low seating that made it difficult to rest or enjoy live music and social time. Age-friendly furnishings, including higher-seated chairs and a wheelchair-accessible table, created a gathering area that welcomed patrons who previously avoided the space. The improvements allowed more people to stay longer, enjoy food and music and reconnect with friends without physical strain. As one visitor said, "I love these walk-in tables... I can actually get in and out of them so easy," while another noted how much easier it was to rise from the taller chairs.