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Town of Durbin (2022) Print
2022 AARP Community Challenge Grantee
Project Category
Public places
└ Public space activation
└ Public space activation
Durbin faced unsafe walking conditions after dark, with steep roads and few sidewalks, discouraging outdoor activity for older adults. To address this, the town repaired a hazardous stairway to Main Street, added benches throughout town, installed a wheelchair-accessible picnic table and placed ADA-compliant trash receptacles. These improvements made public spaces safer and more inviting, encouraging residents to walk and gather. A former mayor noted appreciation for the safer stairway, saying it showed the community that "someone does care" and sparked hope for continued revitalization.
Project description was created using generative AI and then reviewed for accuracy.
Project description was created using generative AI and then reviewed for accuracy.
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Boston, MA
AARP Community Challenge Grant Year: 2019
Project Category: Public space activation
Description: To encourage walking, Boston installed benches in Main Street neighborhood districts across the city. Older adults tested and approved the benches and worked with the City to identify the best locations for them. The initiative's guiding principle was that making walking safe and comfortable for older adults creates a better environment for people of all ages. Project organizers report residents were eager to use the new benches. In fact, as Department of Public Works staff were finishing up an installation, a few people were often waiting to take a seat. The benches contribute to vibrant public spaces near businesses and merchants say they appreciate the increased foot traffic. Project organizers say the installations helped develop a city-wide framework for a sustainable bench program, addressing installation and long-term maintenance.
Readfield, ME
AARP Community Challenge Grant Year: 2021
Project Category: Public space activation
Description: Organizers with Age-Friendly Readfield knew their town was in need of a facelift. To help meet the needs of residents facing food insecurity, they provided a local food bank with a sandwich sign board, rolling delivery cart and new cooler. They also upgraded the town library's outdoor space by adding Adirondack chairs and tables. Finally, they provided chairs and a kayak dock for Readfield's beach. A multigenerational group of volunteers cleaned up both the library park and beach. Organizers say these same volunteers will now be involved in programming at both outdoor spaces.
Browning, MT
AARP Community Challenge Grant Year: 2018
Project Category: Public space activation
Description: This project enhanced the Eagle Shield Senior Center's outdoor space, adding canopy swings, as well as fencing and landscaping. Project organizers hope the outdoor area becomes an age-friendly gathering space, giving Blackfeet elders a place to share their culture and language with each other -- and with future generations.
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Buckhannon, WV
AARP Community Challenge Grant Year: 2021
Project Category: Public spaces improvements to increase high-speed internet availability
Description: Staff at the Upshur County Public Library hoped to turn an unsafe and unsightly building on the library's campus into a more useful space. To give visitors a space to access free Wi-Fi -- as well as relax, socialize and read -- the library worked to replace the building with an outdoor living room. After tearing down the structure, leveling out the site and seeding new grass, the library outfitted the space with ADA-compliant picnic tables, Adirondack chairs and planter boxes. They also installed outdoor charging stations to help residents access the internet, even while the library is closed. Volunteers with the West Virginia Master Gardeners planted native flowers onsite, and now use the greenspace to host gardening trainings. Organizers say the parklet is an important amenity for residents who lack access to greenspace.
Buckhannon, WV
AARP Community Challenge Grant Year: 2025
Project Category: Expanding High-Speed Internet
Description: Upshur County Public Library responded to gaps in broadband access and digital skills that made it difficult for older adults to manage everyday online tasks. The library purchased laptops, hotspots and a large screen TV, then launched weekly classes across multiple community sites with volunteer support. Participants showed significant gains on post-tests and often returned for more training. The project prompted expansion into nearby counties and interest from other libraries. One participant with tremors benefited from an adaptive trackball mouse, showing how tailored tools can help older adults use technology with more confidence.
Project description was created using generative AI and then reviewed for accuracy.
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