AARP Hearing Center
AARP Livable Communities Map
Town of Wolcott (2021) Print
2021 AARP Community Challenge Grantee
Project Category
Public places
└ Public space activation
└ Public space activation
The Town of Wolcott lacked greenspace for community members to enjoy, so the Town transformed an unused space behind the local library into a new park. Dubbed Depot Park, the space includes a community garden with raised beds, as well as a public trailhead. To draw people in, volunteers installed outdoor games, solar-powered lighting, seating and free Wi-Fi access. Organizers wanted to make the park a year-round amenity, so they included a patio heater and bonfire. Additionally, the local fire department created a temporary ice-skating rink onsite. After completing the activation, the Town hosted its first community event in decades at Depot Park. Today, the library holds children's reading circles there. Plus, community members can harvest vegetables for free from the garden.
Photo Gallery
Image:
Click on a photo to learn more
See More Projects Like This One
Chillicothe, OH
AARP Community Challenge Grant Year: 2023
Project Category: Public space activation
Description: The City of Chillicothe transformed a neglected lot in the Sixth Ward into its first neighborhood park, addressing a lack of green space in an area with high obesity rates and low life expectancy. The new pocket park features ADA-compliant walkways, benches, picnic tables and a playground, all within a fenced, well-lit space. Residents now have a safe place to gather and stay active, with one grandmother sharing that her grandkids "are so excited to walk to the park and play" while she enjoys sitting nearby.
Project description was created using generative AI and then reviewed for accuracy.
Shepherdstown, WV
AARP Community Challenge Grant Year: 2026
Project Category: Public space activation
Description: The town will pilot a temporary, car-free downtown plaza featuring movable seating, shade and planters. The project will test how a pedestrian-only space can support rest, events and social connection for residents of all ages.
Grand Forks, ND
AARP Community Challenge Grant Year: 2025
Project Category: Public space activation
Description: Smiley Park and Skidmore Park had fallen out of regular use, reducing places for neighbors to gather and limiting opportunities for older adults who once helped lead community activities. The project refreshed both parks with garden beds, a little free library, a bike rack and safer sidewalk access. Activation events, including a 50th anniversary celebration, brought residents back and helped older volunteers reconnect with younger families. Weekly walking meetups resumed and improved signage and banners strengthened community identity. These changes helped residents build new routines in the parks and encouraged continued advocacy for long term upgrades. One participant noted that the work helped bring awareness to the need for people to stay active and educated. The improvements also positioned neighbors to push for future safety enhancements and park investments, supporting lasting use of the spaces.
Project description was created using generative AI and then reviewed for accuracy.
Nearby AARP Community Challenge Projects
Hyde Park, VT
AARP Community Challenge Grant Year: 2017
Project Category: Accessibility of amenities
Description: Elsa French Park is a new pocket park featuring lilacs bushes and gardens planted on the grounds of an historic home. This project ensured the accessibility of the space for residents and visitors of all ages and ability levels. The Village of Hyde Park installed two ADA-accessible picnic tables, along with an accessible pathway with a ramp and detectible edges for visitors with disabilities. Project organizers say the improvements helped lay the groundwork for ongoing development of the site, which they envision as an important gathering space in a community that lacks a central town square. In addition, the Village has repurposed the house on the property to house municipal offices and a community meeting space.
Worcester, VT
AARP Community Challenge Grant Year: 2026
Project Category: Public space improvements to support recovery after extreme weather events
Description: Flood-damaged parking, trail sections and signage along a popular community trail will be repaired. The work will restore safe, flat access so residents, especially older adults, can walk and relax by the river.
LEARN MORE AND STAY INFORMED
Find articles and resources about making communities more livable for people of all ages
Download or order free publications from AARP Livable Communities
Sign up for the free, weekly, award-winning AARP Livable Communities eNewsletter
Don't see your community listed?
LEARN HOW IT CAN JOIN THE NETWORKConnect with your AARP State Office
AARP has offices in all 50 states as well as in the District of Columbia, Puerto Rico and the U.S. Virgin Islands.
AARP Vermont State Office
199 Main Street
Suite 225
Burlington, VT 05401
United States