AARP Hearing Center
AARP Livable Communities Map
South Macon Art Revitalization Technology Inc. (2017) Print
2017 AARP Community Challenge Grantee
Project Category
Public places
└ Public space activation
└ Public space activation
Before 24/7 television, air-conditioning and smartphones, sitting outside and talking over a game of chess or checkers was a popular pastime. To give residents of all ages in South Macon a place to gather, South Macon Art Revitalization Technology purchased outdoor checkerboard tables and two oversized Connect Four games. A crew of neighborhood residents serve as volunteer game instructors onsite. "Chess, checkers and Connect Four are games that require critical thinking, patience and skill," SMART secretary Frankie Lewis said, noting that many older people in the neighborhood are accomplished chess and checkers players. "We want to make sure their skills don't get lost due to the lack of activity, and we want the elders in our community to share their knowledge with people here of all ages, but especially our youth."
Photo Gallery
Image:
Click on a photo to learn more
See More Projects Like This One
Washington, DC
AARP Community Challenge Grant Year: 2022
Project Category: Public space activation
Description: Genesis residents lacked a safe, inviting outdoor space, leaving older adults and families isolated. The project installed 20 resident-painted mural panels, solar lights and a welcome sign, and redesigned the patio with movable seating for performances. A fall celebration with food and music marked the transformation. "The murals look so lovely, and the lighting makes this area feel more inviting," said one resident, noting how the space now fosters pride and connection across generations.
Project description was created using generative AI and then reviewed for accuracy.
Defiance, OH
AARP Community Challenge Grant Year: 2026
Project Category: Public space activation
Description: The county will enhance a popular walking trail with additional benches, wellness signage, interactive music features and pet-friendly amenities. These improvements will help relieve stress and encourage and social connection in the community.
Hartsville, SC
AARP Community Challenge Grant Year: 2025
Project Category: Public space activation
Description: The City of Hartsville transformed a community gym into a temporary indoor farmers market with accessible seating, vendor tables, signage and waste bins. When the market opens, it will offer a comfortable, weather-protected space and access to fresh foods for residents, with participation encouraged by those age 50-plus. The city plans quarterly events in 2026 and expects engagement to grow as residents experience the convenience and value of the indoor market.
Project description was created using generative AI and then reviewed for accuracy.
Nearby AARP Community Challenge Projects
Macon, GA
AARP Community Challenge Grant Year: 2026
Project Category: Community Gardens
Description: A neglected community garden will be restored with raised beds for shared planting and learning. Gardening activities will increase access to fresh food while encouraging intergenerational connection.
Macon-Bibb County, GA
AARP Community Challenge Grant Year: 2020
Project Category: Roadway/sidewalks/crosswalk improvement
Description: Using public art, Bike Walk Macon set out to improve pedestrian safety in three high-traffic corridors near community centers. First, project organizers gathered feedback from residents of the East Macon, Pleasant Hill and South Macon neighborhoods. They then commissioned two local artists to design on-street murals and artistic crosswalks. With help from volunteers, the artists painted the designs onto the pavement during three Open Streets events. Organizers say they compiled lessons learned from the placemaking initiative into a toolkit for future traffic calming projects. And since creating the crosswalks, Bike Walk Macon has completed similar interventions in other neighborhoods.
LEARN MORE AND STAY INFORMED
Find articles and resources about making communities more livable for people of all ages
Download or order free publications from AARP Livable Communities
Sign up for the free, weekly, award-winning AARP Livable Communities eNewsletter
Don't see your community listed?
LEARN HOW IT CAN JOIN THE NETWORKConnect 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 Georgia State Office
999 Peachtree Street NE
Suite 1110
Atlanta, GA 30309
United States