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Urban Conservancy with Xavier University of Louisiana (2025) Print
2025 AARP Community Challenge Grantee
Project Category
Public places
└ Public space activation
└ Public space activation
The Urban Conservancy addressed the lack of accessible, comfortable outdoor space in Gert Town, where older adults had few shaded places to walk, sit or gather near their homes. An unused lot offered little reason to enter and limited access points made it feel disconnected from the neighborhood. The project transformed the site into an inviting orchard and community space by adding an accessible walking path, shade structures, fruit trees, signage and a bike rack. New entrances made the space easier to reach and clearly signaled that neighbors were welcome. Older adults now have a place to spend time outdoors, connect with others and access fresh fruit, while ongoing use and planning are guiding future additions that will keep the space active and cared for.
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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Raritan, NJ
AARP Community Challenge Grant Year: 2026
Project Category: Public space activation
Description: A popular park will add shaded seating with backed benches and a rain garden featuring native plants. The project will create a comfortable gathering space and offer hands-on gardening opportunities for residents age 50-plus.
Sleepy Eye, MN
AARP Community Challenge Grant Year: 2025
Project Category: Public space activation
Description: The project addressed limited walkable access in a historic district where older adults struggled to reach nearby cultural sites safely. The city upgraded the Chief Monument area with new sidewalks, benches, lighting, trash receptacles and landscaping, supported by volunteers age 60 or over who helped paint fencing and place amenities. These changes improved comfort and mobility and strengthened connections between the monument, museum and nearby parks. Residents said the upgrades made the block look better and easier to navigate. The improvements also support larger revitalization plans, including a future mural that will continue to draw people to the area.
Project description was created using generative AI and then reviewed for accuracy.
Tallahassee, FL
AARP Community Challenge Grant Year: 2026
Project Category: Public space activation
Description: Youth will record oral histories from elders and install a public Story Bench with QR codes in a neighborhood park. Visitors will listen to local stories while building intergenerational connections and preserving community history.
Nearby AARP Community Challenge Projects
New Orleans, LA
AARP Community Challenge Grant Year: 2017
Project Category: Trails
Description: Construction of an ADA-accessible footbridge and walking path connected a community FitLot to the Lafitte Greenway, an active rails-to-trails pedestrian path. Before, people had to jump across a muddy stretch of grass to reach the fitness park from the greenway. Since the City of New Orleans suffers from one of the largest health disparity gaps in the nation, project organizers also set up a no-cost fitness program taught by professional trainers. The classes attract local older adults. "Every time I'm here they are very happy and motivated," trainer Natoya Wayne said. "They interact with each other and encourage each other during the session, and that motivates me."
New Orleans, LA
AARP Community Challenge Grant Year: 2026
Project Category: Public space activation
Description: An accessible walking path with benches, lighting and shade will be built at a housing site for older adults. The path will encourage increased light activity and social interaction in a safe outdoor setting.
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