North Conway, NH

AARP Community Challenge Grant Year: 2025

Project Category: Engaging residents in vibrant public places

Description: Older adults in the rural North Conway community often faced isolation and limited access to programs that support healthy eating and social connection, especially for those living alone or on fixed incomes. Pope Memorial Library addressed this gap by building a fully functioning kitchen within its meeting space, allowing food-centered programs to take place on site rather than relying on meals prepared elsewhere. The kitchen supported nutrition education, shared meals and hands-on cooking classes that lowered barriers to participation. By cooking and eating together, older adults built routines around gathering and learning, not just attending events. Anchoring these programs in a permanent, accessible space strengthened the library's role as a reliable place for belonging and positioned it to sustain wellness programming that keeps older adults engaged over time.

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

St. Paul, MN

AARP Community Challenge Grant Year: 2017

Project Category: Engaging residents in vibrant public places

Description: St. Paul's North End, originally settled around 1850, once was a magnet for European immigrants who worked for the railroads. In the late 1900s the neighborhood became a haven for migrants from Laos, Somalia and Burma, making it one of the most diverse places in Minnesota. The District 6 Planning Council, a local community organization that later changed its name to the North End Neighborhood Association, wanted a way to convey multilingual community and events information to residents who don't use the internet. The organization purchased five message boards and install them at two community gardens, at an outdoor seating area by an ice cream shop and in other locations.

Marianna, AR

AARP Community Challenge Grant Year: 2026

Project Category: Engaging residents in vibrant public places

Description: An unused tennis court will be converted into multiple pickleball courts with nearby seating. The updated space will give older adults a place to play, watch and stay active close to home.