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Y Innovations Inc. (2019) Print
2019 AARP Community Challenge Grantee
Project Category
Public places
└ Public space activation
└ Public space activation
1225 D Street was an abandoned lot overrun with weeds, errant trees and debris. Y Innovations planned to create a green space and community garden there, but first the area had to be cleared. Organizers began by removing garbage that had been dumped in the spot, as well as dead tree limbs, many feet of dilapidated fencing and three vacant sheds. The organization then added new fencing, making the space ready for the next phase of the project.
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Farmington, NM
AARP Community Challenge Grant Year: 2019
Project Category: Public space activation
Description: This project activated a breezeway in downtown Farmington. The city-owned space was long unused -- it sits in the footprint of a building that burned to the ground in 1914. But since it conveniently connects a parking lot to the town's Main Street, project organizers saw its potential as a convenient passthrough and gathering space. By installing solar-powered string lights, setting out seating and tables and creating a mural on an adjacent building, the City created a pocket park. The city plans to continue to add to the space, creating more seating out of wood from a beloved blue spruce that died and installing raised planter beds. Organizers say they also envision bringing community activities to the pocket park.
Conyers, GA
AARP Community Challenge Grant Year: 2021
Project Category: Public space activation
Description: The grounds of the Conyers-Rockdale Library offer locals an attractive, relaxing place to work remotely and enjoy the area's natural surroundings. Through its Birds, Benches and Blooms project, the library installed brightly colored benches around the grounds, including one on the Olde Town Conyers Trail, a well-traveled bicycle and pedestrian path. Project organizers also installed hand-crafted wooden bird feeders with live stream cameras, allowing residents to watch birds in person and from home. Additionally, the library bought two weather-protected corkboards to display community announcements.
Unionville, MO
AARP Community Challenge Grant Year: 2024
Project Category: Public space activation
Description: Older adults in Unionville lacked outdoor seating at the town square, limiting socialization during parades, markets and meals. The center added two ADA-compliant benches and three patio dining sets under its canopy, creating a welcoming space for gatherings. Volunteers cleaned and prepared the area, installed furniture and signage and decorated for the launch. The new space quickly became a hub for conversation and relaxation, with every seat filled during events. One couple said the inviting setup drew them to dine at the center and noted that it helped strengthen community ties and encourages older adults to engage socially.
Project description was created using generative AI and then reviewed for accuracy.
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Wilmington, DE
AARP Community Challenge Grant Year: 2024
Project Category: Digital Connectivity for Disasters
Description: After Hurricane Ida exposed gaps in disaster readiness, older adults in Wilmington lacked training and tools to stay safe during floods and outages. The organization hosted emergency preparedness workshops and equipped a mobile disaster unit with solar-powered satellite internet and charging stations. This has ensured that residents can access critical information when power fails. These resources and skills reduce anxiety and improve resilience, while new partnerships sparked plans to replicate services statewide support for vulnerable communities facing future emergencies.
Project description was created using generative AI and then reviewed for accuracy.
Claymont, DE
AARP Community Challenge Grant Year: 2018
Project Category: Accessibility of amenities
Description: To allow people of all ages and abilities to walk for exercise, the Claymont Community Center added an outdoor walking path and ramp to its facilities. The new, ADA-accessible walkway leads from the Center's building to its track and fields. Organizers say the pathway will allow more older adults to attend sporting events onside, such as football and baseball games. To make the pathway attractive, volunteers planted flowers. They also installed benches and picnic tables nearby. Organizers plan to add lighting to the walkway in the future, making it easier to traverse after dark.
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