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Town of Skowhegan (2024) Print
2024 AARP Community Challenge Grantee
Project Category
Public places
└ Public space activation
└ Public space activation
Older adults lacked safe, accessible walking routes to downtown and essential services, leaving them isolated and limiting recovery options for those prescribed walking for health. The town regraded the trail to meet ADA standards, added bench seating along a new retaining wall and installed underground utilities for future lighting. These upgrades created a defined, safer passage to the pedestrian bridge and nearby trails, improving access to the hospital, library and municipal offices. Footbridge use has already increased. "I was approached by several residents that expressed their gratitude... It was inspiring to know that what we were doing was making a difference," said a project lead.
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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Aguila, AZ
AARP Community Challenge Grant Year: 2021
Project Category: Public space activation
Description: The Aguila Community Center in rural Aguila is a community hub for residents of all ages, despite its aging infrastructure, leaky roof and signs of wear and tear. To make the facility useable during the monsoon season, leaders at the center fixed the concrete floor with laminate plank flooring and weatherized the roof to make the facility fully functional. Since the improvements, the Aguila Community Center has hosted COVID-19 vaccine clinics, fitness classes, quincenearas and other community celebrations and events during all months of the year.
Alamogordo, NM
AARP Community Challenge Grant Year: 2023
Project Category: Public space activation
Description: When a major streetscape project threatened to cut off downtown access, Alamogordo MainStreet turned an unsafe alley into a welcoming corridor. Uneven surfaces and poor lighting were replaced with raised garden beds, ADA-compliant benches and pergolas with lighting. Eight murals were created by local artists and volunteers. The alley now hosts classes, food trucks and photo opportunities, and will provide safe access during construction. "Transforming our once overlooked alley into a vibrant, art-filled space is a game-changer... creating a sense of place and fostering community pride," said a city commissioner.
Project description was created using generative AI and then reviewed for accuracy.
Aibonito, PR
AARP Community Challenge Grant Year: 2025
Project Category: Public space activation
Description: The El Campito plaza had deteriorated, leaving older adults without a safe outdoor place to gather, exercise or socialize. Many relied on the nearby community center but lacked an accessible public space that supported mobility and everyday activity. The project secured age-friendly equipment and finalized plans for reconstruction, including low-impact fitness machines, rocking chairs and a shaded table area selected with older residents in mind. It also accelerated existing plans for full rehabilitation. Once construction is complete, the plaza will offer free exercise options, comfortable seating and a regular hub for social connection.
Project description was created using generative AI and then reviewed for accuracy.
Nearby AARP Community Challenge Projects
Pittsfield, ME
AARP Community Challenge Grant Year: 2024
Project Category: Walk Audits
Description: Pedestrian safety along the main entry corridor raised concerns for older adults who walk there regularly. To address this, volunteers age 50-plus joined two walk audits, sharing firsthand experiences and shaping recommendations presented at a community forum. The audits produced actionable ideas such as raised crosswalks and barriers, now under review for funding. The effort energized residents, including first-time civic participants, who continue advocating for safer streets.
Project description was created using generative AI and then reviewed for accuracy.
Vassalboro, ME
AARP Community Challenge Grant Year: 2024
Project Category: Community Gardens
Description: In rural Vassalboro, older adults lacked spaces for outdoor activity and fresh food access. The town created four raised garden beds and installed two benches, with volunteers and a local nursery providing soil and plants. The gardens offer a place for older adults to garden, socialize and learn, with plans for expansion and multigenerational programs. One veteran who lives in an apartment said he that was happy to participate in the project because he has no place to garden, and was excited to help encourage other older adults.
Project description was created using generative AI and then reviewed for accuracy.
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