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Surry, ME
AARP Community Challenge Grant Year: 2024
Project Category: Public space activation
Description: Older residents without internet access were missing vital town notices after the Post Office banned postings. To restore communication, the group built a kiosk beside the Post Office with three corkboard panels for official notices and social events, plus vibrant artwork to draw attention. Plans include a Little Free Library and seasonal plantings. The kiosk now serves as a central hub for information, helping older adults stay connected. Residents praised the improvement, and volunteers will maintain it year-round.
Project description was created using generative AI and then reviewed for accuracy.
Hettinger, ND
AARP Community Challenge Grant Year: 2018
Project Category: Public space activation
Description: To expand recreation options for residents of Hettinger, this project activated Centennial Square, an underused space in the city's downtown. The Hettinger Area Chamber of Commerce added outdoor games to the square, including Jenga and chess. Organizers say they hope the games plaza draw people downtown and provide opportunities for intergenerational activities. "The biggest highlight of this project was the way that a few games brought together a diverse spread of community members of different ages," Chamber of Commerce Executive Director Jasmin Fosheim said.
Jersey City, NJ
AARP Community Challenge Grant Year: 2017
Project Category: Public space activation
Description: To give residents at Marion Gardens the opportunity to gather, project organizers beautified a concrete area onsite. Residents of the public housing complex came together to plant trees, shrubs and flowers in an area of the property prone to flooding, with the new foliage acting as green infrastructure to absorb rainwater. To ensure care of the new trees long-term, project organizers also created a tree maintenance manual with pruning techniques and other tips. Since the planting, organizers have worked to plan a mural at the site.
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Allentown, PA
AARP Community Challenge Grant Year: 2026
Project Category: Transportation Other
Description: The city will install a flashing midblock crosswalk signal near housing for older adults on 14th Street. The signal will alert drivers sooner and help residents cross safely when visiting nearby shops and services.
Palmer Township, PA
AARP Community Challenge Grant Year: 2023
Project Category: Public space activation
Description: Palmer Township lacked an inclusive outdoor space for cultural learning and community connection. Paza partnered with the township to create a Unity Garden featuring a Native American-inspired sculpture, medicinal plants and pollinators. A wheelchair-accessible path and benches were added, and the site was dedicated with a ceremonial blessing. The garden is now a permanent feature maintained by the library for ongoing programs. "I am proud of the change that Paza has ignited," said a local leader after the township recognized Indigenous Peoples Day, signaling lasting cultural impact.
Project description was created using generative AI and then reviewed for accuracy.
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