See More Projects Like This One

Dennis, MA

AARP Community Challenge Grant Year: 2022

Project Category: Public space activation

Description: Dennis Center for Active Living added an accessible outdoor patio to address the lack of space for social activities, a need heightened by pandemic isolation. The project built a 20x20 concrete platform with a wheelchair-accessible ramp, installed benches and placed six raised garden beds. Volunteers helped assemble furniture and plant flowers. The patio now hosts picnics, gardening and intergenerational events. "The DCAL Garden Patio is icing on the cake," said the project director, noting it fulfills a long-held vision for an inviting, inclusive gathering place.

Woodbury, NJ

AARP Community Challenge Grant Year: 2023

Project Category: Public space activation

Description: A vacant parking lot in downtown Woodbury offered no safe or inviting space for residents to gather. The FAF transformed it into LOT 323, a pop-up park with seating, shade, lighting and ADA-accessible features. The space hosted concerts, wellness events and live mural painting, drawing thousands and boosting volunteer engagement among older adults. "These events made me want to get involved," said one resident. The city has committed to continuing LOT 323 while plans for redevelopment move forward.

Loiza, PR

AARP Community Challenge Grant Year: 2025

Project Category: Public space activation

Description: This project will create an accessible space at the Emiliano Figueroa Torres Community Center. It will feature ergonomic benches, game tables, raised garden beds, and solar-powered lighting.

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: This project will offer six free workshops to teach older adults how to make their homes safer. Volunteers will also promote a program which provides free grab bars and home safety modifications.

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