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Aibonito, PR

AARP Community Challenge Grant Year: 2025

Project Category: Public space activation

Description: The El Campito plaza had deteriorated, leaving older adults without a safe outdoor place to gather, exercise or socialize. Many relied on the nearby community center but lacked an accessible public space that supported mobility and everyday activity. The project secured age-friendly equipment and finalized plans for reconstruction, including low-impact fitness machines, rocking chairs and a shaded table area selected with older residents in mind. It also accelerated existing plans for full rehabilitation. Once construction is complete, the plaza will offer free exercise options, comfortable seating and a regular hub for social connection.

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

Evanston, WY

AARP Community Challenge Grant Year: 2024

Project Category: Public space activation

Description: Two historic public spaces in Evanston lacked features that encouraged active use, leaving older adults with few options for social engagement. To change that, the city installed three concrete game tables for ping pong, foosball and chess/checkers, with wheelchair-friendly seating and using donated equipment. Volunteers helped assemble the tables, creating vibrant spaces for low-impact physical and mental activity. The durable tables are expected to draw visitors for years. A project leader said, "The day after the game tables were out, we heard a good story about a community member's granddaughter playing foosball with her dad. She had the best time and couldn't wait to play again."

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

Carlisle, IA

AARP Community Challenge Grant Year: 2017

Project Category: Public space activation

Description: This project set out to enhance the City of Carlisle's walking trails and downtown area. To achieve this, the City installed benches, planters, bicycle racks and banner-sign mounts. Those improvements helped Carlisle contribute to its goal of becoming a more walkable city with an attractive, functional downtown.

Nearby AARP Community Challenge Projects

Menlo Park, CA

AARP Community Challenge Grant Year: 2022

Project Category: Expansion and enhancement of transportation options

Description: Many older adults in the Bay Area say transportation is the biggest challenge they face. Those who cannot drive themselves risk missing medical appointments or increasing their social isolation. To address this, Peninsula Volunteers developed a transportation program that offers low cost, on-demand rides for older adults. This project expanded that program to reach residents living throughout San Mateo and Santa Clara counties. PVI provided hundreds of rides, helping residents attend doctors' appointments, do shopping and errands and participate in activities at local community centers. Additionally, the nonprofit held two workshops to teach older adults about transportation services available to them. "It makes me feel independent now. I go food shopping weekly now and that's helped immensely," one program participant said. "Sometimes I was going two whole days without eating anything because I didn't have any food in the house and I didn't want to beg for help from anyone."

Santa Cruz, CA

AARP Community Challenge Grant Year: 2025

Project Category: HomeFit Modifications

Description: Many older adults in Santa Cruz County lacked clear guidance on preventing falls and had limited access to affordable home modifications that help them stay safe. The Volunteer Center held six fall-prevention workshops, including an online option for homebound residents, and partnered with local organizations to widen outreach. Through its Helping Hands program, volunteers installed 137 safety upgrades such as grab bars, railings and grip tape, making daily movement more secure. These permanent modifications supported long-term aging in place. One participant said the grab bars made their shower "feel safer... it's been a gift," highlighting how targeted improvements increased confidence and comfort at home.

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

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