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Wayne Ripple Effect (2017) Print
2017 AARP Community Challenge Grantee
Project Category
Public places
└ Public space activation
└ Public space activation
Derby's Alley, located in downtown Wayne, was underutilized, but organizers with Wayne Ripple Effect saw its potential as a community gathering space. To showcase the alley, the organization held eight fitness classes, including Tai Chi and cardio drumming instruction. They also installed bistro tables, benches and overhead lighting in the alley. Since then, Wayne Main Street has improved landscaping in the alley and added signage.
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Arthurdale, WV
AARP Community Challenge Grant Year: 2024
Project Category: Public space activation
Description: On Arthurdale's historic 23-acre campus, uneven sidewalks and a lack of outdoor amenities made visits difficult for older adults and others seeking safe, accessible spaces. The project replaced a hazardous 75-foot sidewalk and added benches, trash bins, a dog waste station and a bike rack. New landscaping to beautify the grounds was also created. These improvements have made the site safer and more inviting, encouraging residents to use it for recreation and events. Community feedback has been overwhelmingly positive, and plans are underway for expanded sidewalks and new programs for older adults.
Project description was created using generative AI and then reviewed for accuracy.
San Jose, CA
AARP Community Challenge Grant Year: 2021
Project Category: Public space activation
Description: The COVID-19 pandemic severely impacted the local economy in San Jose's Washington neighborhood. To help meet the community's needs, Veggielution hosted free arts and environmental education programming. The local nonprofit, which aims to connect people through food and farming, invited people to the SoFa pocket park, which the organization created on the site of an underused parking lot. Events included a monthly garden art workshop and live musical and theater performances by local arts organizations. Additionally, Veggielution worked with a local arts school to create a mural for the pocket park. The activities helped link residents to resources, such as food assistance and entrepreneurship training, and connected local nonprofit organizations to each other, creating a better web of support for the community.
Defiance, OH
AARP Community Challenge Grant Year: 2026
Project Category: Public space activation
Description: The county will enhance a popular walking trail with additional benches, wellness signage, interactive music features and pet-friendly amenities. These improvements will help relieve stress and encourage and social connection in the community.
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Taylor, MI
AARP Community Challenge Grant Year: 2026
Project Category: HomeFit Modifications
Description: Permanent safety upgrades will be installed in the homes of adults age 50 plus. These changes will reduce fall risks, improve accessibility and allow for aging-in-place.
Dearborn, MI
AARP Community Challenge Grant Year: 2025
Project Category: Pedestrian Safety
Description: Near housing for older adults, crossings were hard to see at night and in bad weather, discouraging residents from walking and raising crash risk. The city installed flashing crosswalk signs at high-risk locations to improve visibility for drivers and pedestrians. Residents report feeling safer and more willing to walk to nearby destinations. The city will track before-and-after crash data and gather resident feedback, then use both to decide where to add safety upgrades next. The goal is targeted protection at crossings that residents adults rely on, supported by data and lived experience rather than broad claims of impact.
Project description was created using generative AI and then reviewed for accuracy.
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