AARP Hearing Center
AARP Livable Communities Map
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.
Photo Gallery
Image:
Click on a photo to learn more
See More Projects Like This One
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.
Beaver Dam, WI
AARP Community Challenge Grant Year: 2019
Project Category: Public space activation
Description: The City of Beaver Dam wanted to showcase its downtown Mural Walking Tour. To do this, they added benches along the route, allowing visitors to rest and interact with each other. The walking tour showcases 17 historical murals depicting 19th century business operations and notable Beaver Dam residents, including World War II glider pilot Harold Rief and science fiction author Raymond Z. Gallon. The City installed one six-foot-long, accessible bench near each mural on the walk. Additionally, they distributed mural tour maps to businesses and offices downtown. Project organizers report the seating has contributed to more pedestrian activity in the area. They also say the new benches have inspired private donations to purchase seating for other parts of downtown.
McAlester, OK
AARP Community Challenge Grant Year: 2019
Project Category: Public space activation
Description: By activating an underutilized parking lot, the City of McAlester gave residents access to green space in the heart of its historic downtown. Before opening the new park, the City prepared the site, clearing concrete, replacing soil and resolving stormwater drainage issues. Dubbed Arvest Park, amenities there include accessible sidewalks, food truck hookups, bike posts, tables with seating and a water fountain. Project organizers say the park filled a need for gathering space within a commercial area and helps support local businesses. The site often accommodates pop-up business and locals use the green space to gather for lunch and meet up for shopping or errands.
Nearby AARP Community Challenge Projects
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.
LEARN MORE AND STAY INFORMED
Find articles and resources about making communities more livable for people of all ages
Download or order free publications from AARP Livable Communities
Sign up for the free, weekly, award-winning AARP Livable Communities eNewsletter
Don't see your community listed?
LEARN HOW IT CAN JOIN THE NETWORKConnect with your AARP State Office
AARP has offices in all 50 states as well as in the District of Columbia, Puerto Rico and the U.S. Virgin Islands.
AARP Delaware State Office
222 Delaware Avenue
Suite 1630
Wilmington, DE 19801
United States