Santa Clarita, California Print

Joined the AARP Age-Friendly Network:
5/22/2019

Lead Agency: City of Santa Clarita Manager's Office and Parks and Recreation Department

Government Agency

Action Plan Download

An action plan is based on the results of community surveys identifying needs within the 8 Domains of Livability that influence the health and quality of life of older adults. While there is flexibility in how a plan is created and what it will do, every action plan includes a statement about what can be achieved, target dates for goal completion, identification of participating organizations and indicators to measure progress. The action plan is an "active" rather than static document. Revisions and amendments are a sign of program improvement and progress.

Action Plan Highlights

  1. Outdoor Spaces

    Reinvest in existing parks and facilities by making enhancements to maximize comfort and convenience for the community, incorporating more fitness elements, walking paths, and shade into park spaces. Increase gathering spaces for community use that can be adjusted with shifts in user needs and trends.

  2. Respect and Inclusion

    Enhance facilities for multi-functional use and multi-generational programming.

  3. Communication and Information

    Engage older residents and promote city programs, events, and park amenities by creating mobile apps and implementing a new marketing plan.

Progress Report Download

In its progress report, Santa Clarita focused on successes related to improving the built environment and combatting social isolation. The community has renovated local parks, with a focus on making restrooms accessible and improving walking paths. Additionally, the City made safety updates to bus stops and sidewalks. Partnering with the local senior center, the City also initiated a home repair program, which assists lower-income older adults. To keep residents engaged, Santa Clarita offers a variety of social programs, including Tech Hour, which provides training on using digital devices. Additionally, the community publishes a quarterly magazine highlighting classes, programming and community events.

Nearby AARP Community Challenge Projects

Thai Community Development Center (2019)

Los Angeles, CA

AARP Community Challenge Grant Year: 2019

Project Category: Public art installations

Description: The Thai Community Development Center sought to beautify Thailand Plaza, a commercial center along Hollywood Boulevard in Thai Town. The more than 1,000 square feet of metal garage doors making up the plaza's faade were a target for graffiti. To solve this, the Center commissioned two artists to replace the tags with vibrant murals illustrating Thai culture. They also repainted the gates of the nearby Brahmin Shrine in deep black and gold. By doing this, project organizers hope to deter future vandalism in the area, inspire a sense of community and draw new visitors to Thai Town. Locals hailed the project during a celebration marking the district's 20th anniversary.

Streets For All (2024)

Los Angeles, CA

AARP Community Challenge Grant Year: 2024

Project Category: Reconnecting Communities

Description: Westwood neighborhoods were split by the 405 freeway, leaving older adults at nearby housing and the VA Hospital with unsafe, disconnected routes. To address this, Streets For All hosted pop-up events, including a community walk and an e-bike ride, to showcase mobility options and gather feedback on sidewalk and transit improvements. The events built momentum for bike lanes and first/last mile transit connections already in planning and strengthened advocacy networks. One participant said that she hadn't ridden in a decade and felt joyous by the end of the ride and had a blast!

ABOUT THE AARP COMMUNITY CHALLENGE

Launched in 2017, the annual AARP Community Challenge provides small grants to local governments and nonprofits in order to fund quick-action, ready-to-implement projects that can help communities become more livable for people of all ages.

See all nearby projects

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