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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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Buffalo, NY
AARP Community Challenge Grant Year: 2020
Project Category: Public space activation
Description: Preservation Buffalo Niagara wanted to improve the pedestrian experience in Buffalo's Grant Street commercial corridor, which has suffered from disinvestment. With the goal of beautifying the neighborhood, the organization installed trash receptacles on light poles and hung string lights in front of local businesses. The community has a proud history of diversity, including 20 years of welcoming resettled refugees. To celebrate the community's diversity, PBC installed multilingual wayfinding sign and distributed flags representing business owners' countries of origin. To ensure upkeep, they also provided tools to help volunteers maintain the sidewalks and support a community gardener.
Chickasha, OK
AARP Community Challenge Grant Year: 2021
Project Category: Public space activation
Description: As part of wider efforts to revitalize Chickasha's downtown, the Chickasha Economic Development Council made several streetscape improvements. To increase foot traffic to local businesses, volunteers decorated crosswalks with pavement art and created a mural. They also installed benches and bike tracks. The branding effort is meant to redefine the town's commercial district and connect it with the surrounding neighborhoods. Project organizers hope to build on the improvements in the future, adding additional public art and pedestrian infrastructure.
Central Falls, RI
AARP Community Challenge Grant Year: 2024
Project Category: Public space activation
Description: Older adults in Central Falls lacked safe, weather-protected spaces for year-round socialization, leaving gatherings vulnerable to rain and cold. Progreso Latino installed and weatherized four pavilions with lighting, heating and retractable curtains, creating multi-use spaces for exercise and cultural events. The improvements allow older adults to gather safely in all seasons and are expected to support community activities for 15 years or more. At the ribbon-cutting, one participant said the celebration was "a testament to the power of culture, community and shared traditions under the shelter of a new gathering place."
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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