Forest City, NC

AARP Community Challenge Grant Year: 2024

Project Category: Public space activation

Description: Older residents in Grahamtown lacked safe, comfortable outdoor spaces, making it hard to join events or enjoy gardens without worrying about fatigue or sun exposure. The team installed benches, picnic tables and planters at parks, gardens and community spaces. Volunteers also added address plates for safety. These changes gave older adults places to rest and socialize, strengthened community engagement and even prompted the addition of street lighting. Residents say the improvements make them feel valued and included in revitalization efforts.

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

Akron, OH

AARP Community Challenge Grant Year: 2025

Project Category: Public space activation

Description: Older adults in North Hill had few accessible public places to gather as longtime meeting spots faded and social isolation grew. Residents age 50 and over, including people from immigrant and refugee communities, lacked outdoor spaces that reflected their culture and supported everyday social connection. North Hill Community Development Corporation addressed this gap by transforming an underused area into the Howard Street Heritage Courtyard, a walkable public plaza shaped directly by older residents. Participants helped guide mural themes, seating and programming. The space added benches, walking paths, lighting and public art to support rest and conversation. The courtyard now serves as a permanent gathering place where older adults remain visible participants in neighborhood life. Cultural stories embedded in the art and events encourage intergenerational connection and reduce isolation.

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

Sisseton, SD

AARP Community Challenge Grant Year: 2020

Project Category: Public space activation

Description: To encourage residents to walk and increase the vibrancy of Sisseton's downtown, The Sisseton Arts Council created a new community gathering spot, which they dubbed the Midway Green Space. The site features a sculpture of a reflective, eight-point star, designed to represent the area's native Dakota and Scandinavian immigrant heritage. To make the Green Space inviting to visitors, volunteers installed granite benches and seeded native grasses. Since these improvements, project organizers secured funding for a second sculpture for the site, created by a local Native artist.