Columbus, OH

AARP Community Challenge Grant Year: 2020

Project Category: Public place improvements to withstand extreme weather events

Description: To reduce the urban heat island effect, Friends of the lower Olentangy Watershed planted large canopy trees at an elementary school playground and near a housing complex. The area has traditionally lacked tree cover, with the nearby properties having the least canopy cover of any residential area in the local watershed. The new trees increased the local canopy from 7 percent to 22 percent -- the average for Columbus as a whole. Volunteers -- including local Scouts -- helped plant the trees. In addition, project organizers installed benches at the playground to provide a respite to teachers, children and families using the playground equipment.

Cole, OK

AARP Community Challenge Grant Year: 2024

Project Category: Public place improvements to withstand extreme weather events

Description: The town will create community storm shelters, which residents can use during tornados and other severe weather. Many residents are older adults and lack safe places to go during storms.

Salt Lake City, UT

AARP Community Challenge Grant Year: 2023

Project Category: Public place improvements to withstand extreme weather events

Description: The project will mobilize volunteers to plant trees in public outdoor spaces throughout the state.