Raritan, NJ

AARP Community Challenge Grant Year: 2026

Project Category: Public space activation

Description: A popular park will add shaded seating with backed benches and a rain garden featuring native plants. The project will create a comfortable gathering space and offer hands-on gardening opportunities for residents age 50-plus.

Hamilton, NJ

AARP Community Challenge Grant Year: 2025

Project Category: Housing Design Competitions

Description: Many older adults in New Jersey want to remain in their communities but face a shortage of housing that is affordable, accessible and suited to changing mobility needs. Much of the state's housing stock is older and multi story, limiting realistic options for residents who want to downsize or age in place. New Jersey Advocates for Aging Well addressed this challenge by hosting a statewide housing design competition focused on practical, age-friendly models, including accessory dwelling units, single family and multi family homes. A volunteer panel of architects and housing experts reviewed submissions and selected winning designs that demonstrated how accessibility and affordability could be achieved within existing communities. The resulting report provided concrete examples that communities could use in local discussions.

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