Reviving a Vacant Lot in Omaha, Nebraska

LOCATION: Omaha, Nebraska
GRANTEE: City of Omaha

The AARP grant was used for a low-income neighborhood that is home to a high-rise housing tower for older adults and a Salvation Army Corps-Community Center. The city purchased benches for heavily used bus stops and cedar planters — produced by The Big Garden, a local community gardening organization — that are suitable for gardening from a standing or sitting position. The project also included the installation of a community chalkwall and a collaboration with a local artist who worked with area second graders to create murals depicting the children’s aspirations. The art and new outdoor furnishings were completed in time for the first of what organizers hope will be an annual fall festival.

The AARP Community Challenge funds “quick-action” projects that build momentum for local change to improve livability for people of all ages.