2025 AARP Community Challenge: The Flagship Award Grantees

218 project grants in support of quick-action livability projects

Meet the 2025 AARP Community Challenge Flagship Grantees

AARP Community Challenge flagship grants provide an opportunity for communities to apply for funding across several categories — and be creative about doing so.

The 2025 AARP Community Challenge accepted project applications that benefit residents, especially those age 50 and older, for:

Creating vibrant public places that improve open spaces, parks and access to other amenities

Delivering a range of transportation and mobility options that increase connectivity, walkability, bikeability and access to public and private transit

Supporting housing options that increase the availability of accessible and affordable choices

Increasing digital connections and enhancing digital literacy skills

Supporting community resilience through investments that improve disaster management, preparedness and mitigation

^{The following project descriptions were created using generative AI and were then reviewed by AARP staff. The grantee name appears in italics.}

Alabama

Birmingham: ClasTran — This project will provide collapsible grocery carts on buses to help older adults, individuals with disabilities, and rural residents carry more groceries in one trip, reducing the need for multiple store visits and promoting independence.

Huntsville: Huntsville Botanical Garden — This project will improve accessibility by adding mobility scooters and benches. This will help older adults and others with mobility challenges explore the Garden's diverse landscapes.

Lillian: Lillian Recreational Park — This project will transform an unused porch into a welcoming social space with seating, game tables, and a grill. It will offer classes, games, yoga, and volunteer opportunities, helping older adults connect and reduce isolation.

Alaska

Anchorage: NeighborWorks Alaska — This project will add accessible garden beds, benches, and signage to its community gardens. This will support older adults with mobility challenges and provide education on food security and local food production.

Dillingham: Bristol Bay Area Health Corporation — This project will add benches, picnic tables, and bike racks to local parks, schools, and senior centers. It will create rest stops and gathering places, encouraging physical activity and community engagement for older adults.

Houston: City of Houston — This project will create accessible walking trails, a picnic area, and a handicap-accessible parking lot. This project will enhance outdoor recreation, social engagement, and wellness activities for older adults.

Sitka: Sitka Recreation Foundation — This project will revitalize Crescent Harbor Park, adding a pickleball court, tennis, and volleyball facilities. This project will enhance accessibility and safety, promoting active living and well-being for older adults and visitors.

Talkeetna: Upper Susitna Community and Senior Center — This project will provide kennels, food bowls, and pet supplies at an evacuation center. This will help older adults and others with pets evacuate safely during emergencies without abandoning their companions.

Arizona

GuVo: Native American Advancement Foundation — This project will provide portable wheelchair ramps to enhance mobility and independence for older adults. It will help residents access homes and public spaces, reducing isolation and fostering community participation.

Huachuca City: Town of Huachuca City — This project will install outdoor fitness stations in two parks, offering free, low-impact exercise options for all ages, especially those age 50 and older. These stations will promote health, mobility, and community engagement.

Mesa: Rail, Arts, Innovation & Livability Community Development District — This project will create an artistic crosswalk and update curbs for ADA compliance near a neighborhood park. The initiative aims to increase safety and access for all residents, especially those age 50-plus.

Superior: Regenerating Sonora — This project will enhance a community garden by providing supplies and building a ramada for year-round outdoor programming. It aims to increase access to green space, free organic food, and learning opportunities.

Arkansas

Earle: City of Earle — This project will enhance a community center into an accessible facility for older adults, featuring mobility-friendly equipment, digital literacy resources, and an expanded food pantry.

Elaine: City of Elaine — This project will transform an unused pocket park into an ADA-compliant Rest and Recharge Station with solar charging stations, seating, and amenities.

Mammoth Spring: VFW Post 7831 — This project will establish a warming and emergency shelter at a VFW in order to provide sleeping arrangements, food and supplies to older adults and disabled residents during power outages and disasters.

Nashville: Howard County — This project will install automatic door openers to make the entrance safer and more accessible for older adults using walkers, wheelchairs, and canes.

Wrightsville: City of Wrightsville — This project will create a 10-foot sidepath from City Hall to Dollar General and turn the overgrown area behind City Hall into an accessible walking path with seating and shade, improving safety and mobility for older adults.

California

Los Angeles: East LA Community Corporation — This project will host “ADU 101” workshops to educate low- to moderate-income homeowners on Los Angeles’ Eastside, especially older adults, on developing rental units to increase housing supply and generate income.

Sacramento: ACC Senior Services — This project will expand a community garden to provide older adults with gardening opportunities, increase accessibility, and create a community meeting place. The garden will feature benches, a gazebo, and raised beds.

San Francisco: Community Living Campaign — This project encourages communities to assess their neighborhoods for accessibility. Residents will learn to report issues using the 311 app and other city services, promoting inclusive and accessible environments for all.

Statewide: California Fire Safe Council — This project will produce and distribute accessible digital and printable materials on wildfire mitigation and preparedness for older adults and other residents in wildfire-prone areas, enhancing safety and resilience.

Colorado

Denver: Commún — This project will develop an emergency disaster plan for the Loretto Heights Resilience Hub in Southwest Denver. This plan will ensure the hub is a safe, well-resourced place for residents, especially older adults, during disasters.

Denver: Montbello Organizing Committee — This project will offer free digital navigation classes for residents, particularly those age 50 and older. The initiative will increase access to technology and hands-on training, helping residents and improve their digital skills.

Durango: Bike Durango — This project will install a temporary bike lane on Junction Creek Road to increase safety for all road users. The lane will connect municipal amenities and promote a safer environment for walking and cycling.

Fort Collins: City of Fort Collins — This project will host Plumbing 101 and Water Conservation Workshops for residents of mobile home parks and senior apartments. These events aim to build DIY skills, reduce maintenance costs, and support aging in place.

Connecticut

Cromwell: Cromwell Creative District — This project will renovate two parks to improve accessibility and enjoyment for all residents, especially veterans and those age 50 or over. Upgrades include new benches, accessible walkways, and plantings.

Farmington: Farmington Community Services — This project will enhance accessibility in a senior center and community parks by adding features like push button door openers, accessible kiosks, and specialized equipment.

Litchfield: Litchfield Community Greenway — This project will install benches, bollards, and informational kiosks along a new trail connecting Litchfield and Bantam. These ADA-compliant features will enhance safety and accessibility for older adults and all visitors.

Delaware

Dover: Biggs Museum of American Art —This project will extend the installation of five kinetic sculptures in downtown Dover's historic green space. New programming includes workshops, talks, walking tours, and bus tours from local senior centers.

Newark: Friends of White Clay Creek State Park — This project will install two ADA-compliant benches along accessible trails. These benches will be placed at regular intervals to provide resting spaces for people with mobility limitations.

Newark and Milford: Food Bank of Delaware — This project will install outdoor speakers in the Food Bank of Delaware's public gardens in Milford and Newark. The sound system will create a peaceful and connected community space for all visitors, especially older adults.

District of Columbia

Washington: Franciscan Monastery Garden Guild — This project will provide ergonomic tools, raised garden beds, misting fans, and accessible seating. These improvements will make gardening more accessible for older adults and volunteers with disabilities.

Washington: Seabury Resources for Aging — This project will enhance shuttle transportation for older adults with GPS tracking, a mobile app, vehicle cameras, and a digital reservation system. It aims to improve access to food, healthcare, and social connections.

Washington: Age-Friendly DC — This project will engage volunteers and neighbors in DC Wards 5, 7 and 8 to improve walkability and accessibility. The initiative aims to reduce fall risks and strengthen community connections, especially for older adults.

Washington: Thrive DC — This project will provide unhoused older adults with access to a computer lab to build digital skills, reconnect with family, and access services like healthcare and benefits, reducing isolation and increasing independence.

Florida

Bonifay: Waukesha Way Inc. — This project will enhance Bonifay's walkability with vibrant painted crosswalks and age-friendly park upgrades, including ADA-compliant paths, shaded seating, and fitness stations.

Coconut Grove: Friends of the Commodore Trail — This project will improve safety and accessibility along the Commodore Trail. Activities include trail clean-up, new wayfinding signage, and pedestrian safety upgrades, making the trail safer and more accessible.

Fort Myers: Collaboratory — This project will connect older adults struggling with housing costs with fellow older adults seeking affordable homes. It aims to allow homeowners to age in place while offering secure housing to older adults in need.

Kissimmee: Black Empowerment & Community Council — This project will transform a minivan into a mobile resource hub, delivering digital literacy, health resources, financial education, and disaster preparedness to over 1,500 older adults in Osceola County.

Tampa: City of Tampa — This project will fill a 750-foot sidewalk gap on East 12th Avenue, improving pedestrian safety and accessibility. This will enhance walkability for residents, especially those age 50 and over, and connect them to key destinations.

Georgia

Albany: 360 Albany — This project will provide raised garden beds, accessible seating, and digital literacy workshops for older adults. The initiative aims to enhance access to fresh food, increase digital literacy, and improve community resilience.

Macon: Macon-Bibb County Transit Authority — This project will transform a vacant lot near public transit into Spirit of Macon Park, a safe, attractive, multi-purpose green space. The park will offer wellness programs and activities.

Milner: City of Milner — This project will revitalize a city park by adding an ADA-compliant shaded pavilion with tables and benches, and improved lighting for visibility. These enhancements will make the park more accessible to older adults.

Nicholson: Harold S. Swindle Public Library — This project will digitize photos and information about veterans for sharing with future generations. The digital display will be shown on a television screen in the library, making it accessible for everyone to enjoy.

Rossville: Walker County — This project will add a public charging and internet hotspot station at Adventure Acres Park. The station will help older adults stay connected.

Hawaii

Honolulu: U.S.VETS — This project will expand U.S.VETS Career Center to a new satellite office on the Wai'anae Coast. Upgrades include new computers, transportation vouchers, and partnerships with local employers.

Kahului: Grow Some Good — This project will plant 30 fruit trees and native Hawaiian plants, creating a shaded area for older adults. The project will also include educational signage and workshops on sustainable farming practices.

Lihue: Kauai Senior Citizens Softball Association — This project will support field repairs and maintenance, build storage facilities, and improve restrooms. The league has 14 teams for players age 55 and over.

Wailuku: Maui Academy of Performing Arts — This project will transform a public space into an accessible gathering area with chairs and tables for people of all ages and abilities.

Idaho

East Hope: City of East Hope — This project will build a covered pavilion in a city park, providing a safe, shaded space for community members of all ages. The pavilion will provide protection from the sun and support various community events and gatherings.

Emmett: Gem County Economic Development Foundation — This project will widen sidewalks and install head-out angled parking in historic downtown Emmett. These upgrades will enhance safety and walkability, benefiting older adults and strengthening the local economy.

Inkom: Inkom Revitalization Commission — This project will build a pickleball court, providing a low-impact and accessible workout for people of all ages, especially those age 50 and over.

Melba: City of Melba — This project will construct a 15-foot by 15-foot octagonal gazebo in Centennial Park. The ADA-accessible gazebo, with two benches and ADA parking spaces, will provide a meeting place for community events and gatherings.

Nampa: City of Nampa — This project aims to upgrade technology at the Idaho Hispanic Community Center by adding a new sound system, microphone, projector, and screen. These improvements will enhance the facility for community events.

Illinois

Chicago: Rebuilding Together Metro Chicago — This project will provide free home modifications to improve safety and accessibility for low-income older adults. Carpenters will complete repairs like grab bar installations, hand rail repairs, and smoke alarm replacements.

Elgin: Habitat for Humanity of Northern Fox Valley — This project will provide critical home modifications for low-income older adults. Improvements like wheelchair ramps, grab bars, and raised toilets will enhance safety and independence.

Evanston: Levy Senior Center — This project will feature an eight-workshop series called "Connected and Confident: Tech Skills for Everyday Living" to empower older adults with digital skills.

Erie: Village of Erie — This project will add accessible seating and a .25-mile all-weather walking path to a public park. These improvements will create a vibrant space for residents of all ages and abilities to gather and enjoy the outdoors.

Indiana

Gary: City of Gary — This project will enhance accessibility by installing a bus shelter, speed bumps, solar-powered crosswalks, striped crosswalks, and a bike lane. These improvements will connect senior apartments to a local park and trail.

Spencer: The Owen News — This project will create a digital application providing a community resource directory, event calendar, and emergency notification system. It will offer information about government, businesses, and other services.

Iowa

Bloomfield: Bloomfield Main Street — This project will enhance pedestrian safety by repaving streets, repainting parking lines, and installing high-contrast crosswalks. These upgrades will create a more pedestrian-friendly downtown.

Holy Cross: Holy Cross Hometown Pride Committee — This project will renovate the tennis court and add two pickleball courts with ADA access and portable benches. This will improve health and provide diverse recreational amenities for residents, especially those age 50 and over.

Iowa City: Cycling Without Age at the Bike Library — This project will expand Cycling Without Age at the Bike Library's programming to include people in wheelchairs through a new trishaw. This wheelchair-accessible bike will allow users to explore their community and nature.

Nevada: Main Street Nevada — This project will transform two underutilized downtown areas into accessible gathering spots with handicap seating and shade.

Villisca: Villisca Community Betterment Association — This project will add 20 weatherproof display stands to a local walking trail, creating a StoryWalk with children's book pages and activity challenges. It aims to enhance physical fitness, literacy skills, and social interaction.

Kansas

Caney: Caney Community Betterment Group — This project will revitalize basketball and tennis courts by repainting basketball courts, adding new goals, and converting tennis courts into pickleball courts.

Cimarron: City of Cimarron — The project will add a pickleball court to Cimarron Crossing Park, along with a shaded area and benches. This will provide a new recreational activity for adults and create a space for socializing while watching others play.

Fort Scott: Lowell Milken Center for Unsung Heroes — This project will add three new Kansas Unsung Hero panels to the Unsung Heroes Park. These panels will include QR codes for language translation.

Wichita: Riverside Garden — This project will enhance accessibility by installing sidewalks, an accessible raised bed, a bench, and ergonomic tools. This project aims to support individuals with mobility issues, especially older adults, in the garden space.

Winfield: City of Winfield — This project will install rapid flashing beacons on Main Street to improve pedestrian safety. These beacons will enhance visibility, reduce accidents, and support walkability, especially for older adults.

Kentucky

Florence: Northern Kentucky Area Development District — This project will engage adults age 50-plus in digital education, including digital disaster training. Participants will have opportunities to become digital ambassadors, empowering their communities with tech skills.

Mount Sterling: Gateway Regional Arts Center — This project will install three interpretive panels along the Adena Trail, overlaying historic images onto the landscape, and add a picnic area.

Owensboro: Habitat for Humanity Owensboro-Daviess County — This project will create a greenspace in a new ten-house subdivision. This space will include sod, landscaping, outdoor seating, trash receptacles, signage, and a small playground.

Shelbyville: Marnel C. Moorman Family Life Center — High school students will teach adults age 50 and over technology skills through workshops and coaching. This project enhances digital literacy, combats social isolation, and promotes independence for older adults.

Louisiana

Belle Chasse: Plaquemines Parish Government — This project will create new pickleball courts and a walking trail. These investments will establish an older adult walking club and pickleball tournament, promoting health, socialization, and year-round outdoor activity.

Chitimacha Reservation: Chitimacha Tribe of Louisiana — This project will create an accessible outdoor activity, gathering, and gardening space at the senior center. It will encourage tribal elders to connect with nature and provide volunteer opportunities for community members.

New Orleans: Housing Authority of New Orleans — This project will rehabilitate a community center to create a public space for older adults. The center will include a computer lab for digital literacy, health and nutrition education, and activities to promote social connectedness.

New Orleans: Urban Conservancy with Xavier University of Louisiana — This project will transform an unused lot into an orchard and social community space with fruit trees, benches, bike racks, and accessible walkways.

Maine

Blue Hill: Down East Family YMCA — This project will offer digital skills training and internet safety workshops for people age 50-plus. Participants will receive hands-on instruction, access to devices, and personalized support in using technology.

Casco: Loon Echo Land Trust —This project will upgrade the Mayberry Hill Preserve trail to make it accessible for older adults, young people, and families. The new 0.6-mile loop trail will feature ADA-compliant benches and a crushed gravel surface.

Cumberland: Town of Cumberland — The project will provide two fat tire tricycles for older adults to use on Town Forest trails. These tricycles will offer a safe and inclusive way to enjoy outdoor activities, with staff support and mandatory safety talks.

Rangeley: Wilhelm Reich Museum — This project will replace 200 feet of old bog bridging with new double-width cedar planks, add a resting bench, and install a picnic table in a trail meadow.

Sullivan: Age-Friendly Sullivan — This project will upgrade the Community Gazebo in Sumner Park with new electrical outlets, structural repairs, and a new roof. The project aims to enhance the gazebo for events, focusing on the needs of people age 50-plus.

Yarmouth: Town of Yarmouth — This project will test speed tables and crosswalk enhancements on five main corridors to slow drivers from high-speed rural roads. The project aims to improve safety with better visibility and traffic calming measures.

Maryland

Baltimore: Art with a Heart Inc. — This project will create a large-scale mosaic mural. The project will involve community members in workshops, fostering artistic engagement and beautification in Baltimore's Park Heights neighborhood.

Elkton: Bayside Community Network Inc. — This project will enhance disaster preparedness for people age 50+ and those with disabilities. It includes installing a generator, offering emergency shelter, and providing first aid and emergency preparedness classes.

Massachusetts

Amherst: Amherst Business Improvement District — This project will add seating, lighting, and greenery to create a safer, more accessible, and inviting plaza. This revitalized area near senior housing and a community center will foster social connections for older adults.

Ayer (and surrounding towns): Health Equity Partnership of North Central Massachusetts — This project will create telehealth access hubs, providing supportive environments for residents to connect with care providers. These hubs will offer private rooms, technical assistance, and digital literacy classes.

Boston: Wakullah Street Community Garden Inc. — This project will improve accessibility for older adults by widening and leveling paths, adding solar lighting, and providing internet access. These upgrades will enhance safety and support community meetings.

Michigan

Holland: City of Holland — This project will install new benches along sidewalks in Holland, tripling the current number. This project aims to improve walkability and provide resting spots for people age 50 and older, enhancing community connections.

Minnesota

Hutchinson: Parents Inspired — This project will pilot an on-demand transportation program for older adults age 50 and over and disabled individuals. The service will prioritize medical appointments, with non-medical rides based on driver availability.

Mahnomen: Mahnomen County — This project will upgrade the Senior Living Center to improve accessibility for residents age 50 and older. The project includes a wider doorway, ramp, and automatic door opener to ensure safer, more inclusive access.

Newfolden: City of Newfolden — This project will create an outdoor gathering area at the Newfolden Community and Senior Center. The space will feature accessible seating, planting areas, and table-scapes to promote intergenerational gathering and inclusivity.

Sleepy Eye: City of Sleepy Eye Economic Development Agency — The project will create walkable access and rest areas connecting the senior center, museum, Chief Sleepy Eye Monument, Veterans Park, and local shops. It will include benches, trash receptacles, flowerpots, and a mural.

Mississippi

Jackson: Mississippi MOVE — This project will enhance mobility, digital literacy, and public spaces for older adults. The initiative includes accessible transportation solutions, technology training, and park improvements.

Rolling Fork: Lower Delta Partnership — This project will create a 1/3-mile walking path with benches, trash receptacles, and public art. This vibrant path will enhance street safety and provide a safe, inclusive space for exercise and community engagement.

Winona: Central Mississippi Inc. — This project will pilot an on-demand transportation system in rural areas. This service will provide access to medical appointments and grocery shopping, addressing the needs of older adults and disabled residents.

Woodville: Wilkinson County Library System — This project will equip a rural public library with automatic doors and an access ramp, enhancing accessibility and safety for all residents, especially those age 50 and over.

Missouri

Bolivar: City of Bolivar — This project will install shaded seating beside the new inclusive playground. It aims to provide a comfortable space for grandparents to connect with their families, fostering intergenerational relationships.

Perryville: Downtown Perryville Advancement — This project will install a wayfinding sign on the courthouse lawn to help locals and visitors find businesses and attractions. The sign will benefit those who prefer physical maps, enhancing accessibility and navigation.

Pleasant Hill: City of Pleasant Hill — This project will add benches and picnic tables to the city park and recreation complex, providing rest stops along pathways and at activity hubs.

St. Louis: Citizens for Modern Transit — This project will gather and share stories on how benches near transit positively impact riders and communities, aiming to connect social infrastructure and encourage further investment.

Montana

Bozeman: Gallatin Valley Land Trust — This project will create accessible trails near the hospital and 55+ housing communities, promoting physical activity for all. It aims to improve poorly maintained trails and provide a year-round, inclusive trail network.

Cut Bank: Cut Bank Trails — This project will create a 1.4-mile paved, ADA-compliant path connecting the City of Cut Bank to the School District’s Sports Complex and Glacier Historical Museum. It aims to provide a safe walking route for pedestrians.

Dillon: City of Dillon — This project will install seasonally themed, high-visibility crosswalks around Jaycee Park. These enhancements aim to improve pedestrian safety and accessibility, especially for older adults and those with mobility challenges.

Glasgow: City of Glasgow — This project will build Montana's first outdoor fitness court, providing free physical fitness access. The court will encourage healthy habits and be accessible 24/7, benefiting older adult residents and those with disabilities.

Missoula: Missoula In Motion — This project will install two traffic-calming street murals. One mural will be created during Sunday Streets Missoula, enhancing pedestrian safety and community connection while promoting active transportation.

Plains: Plains Pickleball Association — This project will add courtside amenities to two new outdoor pickleball courts. These amenities include an equipment shed, perimeter pavers, benches and a windbreak.

Red Lodge: Red Lodge Area Community Foundation — This project will transform the Roosevelt Center outdoor space into an accessible public greenspace with a winding pathway through sculpture gardens, accessible seating, and connections to the main street corridor.

Nebraska

Lincoln: City of Lincoln — This project will offer public education for people age 50 and over through six in-person trainings and translated educational videos. Participants will learn to use public transit and bike share programs.

Lincoln: Lincoln City Libraries — This projet will expand a digital literacy program to the Walt Branch Library, offering six weekly workshops and one-on-one Technology Time appointments. These sessions will help older adults learn essential digital skills.

Omaha: Partners for Livable Omaha — The OurStory housing system will introduce small, aging-ready homes for people age 50-plus in Nebraska. The project includes two design variations and will support an architectural internship program and public education.

Omaha: Project Houseworks — This project provides no-cost home repairs and safety modifications for low-income older adults in Douglas and Sarpy Counties. Upgrades like walk-in showers and HVAC repairs support independence and reduce falls.

Statewide: Nebraska Investment Finance Authority — This project will create zoning and design standards for modular housing in rural Nebraska, providing affordable homeownership opportunities for families and older adults.

Nevada

Reno: City of Reno — This project will provide fresh produce and educational programs for a diverse community in Reno. The garden features accessible, raised beds for older adults and hosts nutrition workshops, promoting health and community connection.

Reno: City of Reno —This project will provide adaptive bikes for people of all ages and abilities, enhancing connectivity and access to local trails.

Reno: Truckee Meadows Parks Foundation — This project will provide an electric off-road wheelchair at Rosewood Nature Study Area, providing free access to nature trails for people with mobility challenges, especially those age 50 and over.

New Hampshire

Berlin: North Country Council — This project will involve the purchase of a trailer and equipment for traffic calming pop-ups, promoting safety and walkability in New Hampshire.

Center Harbor: James E. Nichols Memorial Library — This project will transform the library greenspace into a more accessible area for Center Harbor’s older adults and other visitors. It will include picnic tables, umbrellas, and Adirondack chairs to encourage socializing.

Litchfield: Litchfield Recreation Commission — This project will install a removable aluminum dock with a ramp at Darrah Pond in Roy Memorial Park, providing accessible fishing opportunities for older adults and people with disabilities.

Manchester: Queen City Bicycle Collective — This project will enhance bike security and safety by providing free locks, lights, and rechargeable sashes. It aims to benefit new riders, children, older adults, and low-income individuals, making cycling a safer option for all.

Milton: Town of Milton — This project will conduct a walk audit of 2.75 miles of sidewalks to identify challenges and obstacles. Volunteers will help collect data to improve safety and walkability. The findings will inform the ADA Transition Plan.

North Conway: Pope Memorial Library — This project will enhance the library's meeting space with a working kitchen to support programs for older adults in order to combat isolation and improve access to nutritious meals for patrons age 50 and over.

New Jersey

Camden: Camden Community Partnership — This project will support the Golden Brush Collective's creation of a mural in Camden's Centerville neighborhood in order to celebrate the area's cultural history and engage residents in the design process.

Little Falls: Little Falls Historical Society Inc. — This project will create a vibrant outdoor gathering space at the Old Town Hall with age-friendly benches, flower gardens, shaded seating areas, and accessible walking paths.

Millville: Millville Housing Authority — This project will install a 20-foot by 40-foot shade structure and raised garden beds at Riverview West, providing low-income older adults with a comfortable, accessible outdoor seating area.

Newark: New Jersey Bike and Walk Coalition — This project will engage Newark’s 50-plus population through interactive events and storytelling sessions to gather input on trails and active transportation.

South Orange: Walk Bike Ride South Orange with Meadowland Park Conservancy — This project will engage volunteers to paint artistic crosswalks, add paint to bike lanes, and install delineators on Mead Street. This will improve safety for older adults and all visitors to the park and community center.

New Mexico

Albuquerque: Greater Albuquerque Habitat for Humanity — This project will provide essential home maintenance, repairs, and accessibility modifications for low-income older adults and individuals with disabilities.

Clovis: City of Clovis — This project will distribute 300 free smoke detectors to older adults. It aims to improve emergency preparedness by providing bilingual installation instructions and informational materials on home safety.

Dulce: Jicarilla Apache Senior Citizens — This project will add an accessible walking path, shaded seating, picnic areas and fruit trees. This project aims to promote health, social engagement, and nutrition for older adults.

Grants: Grants MainStreet Project — This project will enhance City Hall Park with new picnic tables, benches, improved ramadas, and landscaping. These upgrades will create a welcoming space for older adults to enjoy outdoor activities.

Isleta Pueblo: Pueblo of Isleta Elder Center — This project will provide older adults with a year-round gardening space near the Elder Center and horno bread ovens. It will feature raised beds for growing traditional plants, herbs, and vegetables.

New York

Glen Cove: Age-Friendly Glen Cove — This project will hold digital literacy workshops for older adults on using transit apps . Participants will apply their skills on transit-based learning trips and conduct transit audits to improve safety and accessibility.

Northumberland: Hudson Crossing Park — This project will install an accessible kayak launch to provide safe and convenient kayaking for people of all ages, especially those with mobility issues.

Plattsburgh: Cycling Without Age Adirondack Coast — This project will offer free trishaw bike rides for people age 50-plus and those with disabilities. It aims to reduce social isolation by providing engagement opportunities on bike paths and trails.

Rochester: Cancer Support Community at Gilda's Club Rochester — This project will offer monthly digital empowerment seminars and one-on-one support to help cancer patients aged 50 and older navigate technology. These workshops will cover topics like patient portals and telemedicine.

Willsboro: Town of Willsboro Parks Commission — This project will enhance Florence Hathaway Park with shuffleboard courts, an ADA pavilion, and an all-season bathroom. The park will serve residents age 50-plus and promote multi-generational outdoor recreation.

North Carolina

Gastonia: Keep Gastonia Beautiful — This project will transform a garden into a welcoming space with walking paths, community gathering areas, and open garden space. It aims to celebrate local history and provide an outdoor area for environmental education.

Lumberton: Southeastern Life Center — This project will provide accessible and affordable transportation for older adults, individuals with disabilities, and low-income families. It aims offer door-to-door services for essential needs and social engagements.

North Dakota

Bismarck: North Dakota's Gateway to Science — This project will offer interactive STEM activities and hands-on technology workshops to promote digital literacy for individuals age 50-plus.

Grand Forks: Grand Forks Blue Zones Project — This project will revitalize Smiley Park and Skidmore Park in the Near North Neighborhood. Improvements include raised garden beds, a little free library, historical signage, and safer sidewalk access.

Jamestown: James River Senior Center and Public Transit — This project will support renovations to enhance safety and increase access. Improvements include a paved parking lot, new flooring, an outdoor patio and raised gardens.

Rugby: Rugby Chamber of Commerce — This project will enhance a park with seasonal decor, benches and a mural to create an appealing gathering space. These updates aim to make the area more walkable and inviting.

Valley City: Sheyenne River Valley Scenic Byway Association — This project at the Wood Landing on the Sheyenne River Water Trail will provide a picnic and fishing area with an accessible kayak/canoe launch.

Ohio

Akron: North Hill Community Development Corporation — This project will create a vibrant plaza connecting People’s Park with a mixed-use development. The space will promote active aging, mental stimulation, and social ties through dedicated programming for people age 50-plus.

Arcanum: Arcanum Public Library — This project will feature the creation of a gazebo offering free 24/7 high-speed internet. This space will bridge the digital divide, providing access to online resources, telehealth services, and more, benefiting individuals age 50 and over.

Fairview Park: City of Fairview Park — This project will establish a private telemedicine station to improve healthcare access for older adults. This secure space will feature high-speed internet, telehealth software, and medical peripherals.

Findlay: United Way of Hancock County — This project will create an accessible garden area in a community garden with raised beds and gathering spaces designed for residents age 50-plus. It aims to promote food security and intergenerational engagement.

Marion: Marion County Council on Aging — This project will provide handicap accessible transportation for older adults to out-of-county medical appointments. This service aims to ensure continued access to essential medical care for older adults.

Oklahoma

Okmulgee: Okmulgee Main Street — This project will transform a neglected downtown alley into a vibrant space with seating, murals, and greenery. It aims to enhance accessibility and engagement, providing older adults a welcoming place to enjoy events.

Shawnee: City of Shawnee — This project will help low-income, older residents remain safely in their homes by providing home evaluations and assisting with necessary repairs and modifications.

Tulsa: Tulsa Route 66 Main Street — This project will install safe, accessible walking trails in Howard Park, providing a venue for older Southwest Tulsa residents to exercise and socialize.

Oregon

Bonanza: Bonanza Big Springs Park & Recreation District — This project will transform a playground into an accessible space for all ages. It will include level surfaces, shade structures, and benches, promoting improving access for people with mobility challenges.

Heppner: South Morrow County Senior Matters — This project will enhance emergency preparedness by providing older adults with training and tools, including emergency kits and weather radios. Training sessions will address the unique needs of homebound older adults.

McMinnville, Amity, Carlton, Lafayette, Sheridan, Willamina, Yamhill: McMinnville Area Habitat for Humanity — This project will help low-income older adults safely age in place by providing home repairs, maintenance, and accessibility modifications.

Portland: Friendly House Inc. — This project will provide new computers and laptops to help older adults access technology. It will also support LGBTQ+ older adults with housing workshops and tech assistance.

Powers: City of Powers — This project will remodel City Hall’s lobby to be fully ADA-compliant, adding automatic doors, wheelchair access, a widened entryway, and an accessible service counter.

Pennsylvania

Camp Hill: Pennsylvania Parks and Forests Foundation — This project will improve access to outdoor recreation by addressing barriers for older adults and individuals with disabilities. It includes skill-building sessions, transportation, gear lending libraries, and an all-terrain wheelchair.

Lancaster: SACA Development Corporation — This project will enhance the plaza near the senior center with public art and technology, celebrating Latino older adults' migration stories. It includes a steel sculpture, QR codes for oral stories, and plaza upgrades.

Northampton County: Northampton County — This project will host three events to provide digital device training and distribute refurbished devices to residents, especially those age 50-plus. The events will include refreshments and shuttle transportation.

Puerto Rico

Aibonito: Municipality of Aibonito — This project will restore the plaza in El Campito, adding non-slip flooring, lighting repairs, ergonomic benches, outdoor exercise equipment, and tables for dominoes or chess.

Ponce: Ruta Borinquen — This project will improve access to waterfront parks and trails in Playa de Ponce for residents age 50-plus by adding bicycle routes, crosswalks, wayfinding signage, and temporary lighting.

Loiza: PAYE — This project will create an accessible space at the Emiliano Figueroa Torres Community Center. It will feature ergonomic benches, game tables, raised garden beds, and solar-powered lighting.

Toa Baja: Municipio de Toa Baja — This project will transform an underutilized area into a vibrant gathering spot with murals, solar LED lights, shade sails, and concrete planters.

Rhode Island

Central Falls: City of Central Falls — This project will amplify access to outdoor spaces and recreational opportunities, focusing on residents age 50 and older. It will enhance River Island Park with shade structures and amenities to support healthy aging.

East Providence: East Bay Community Action Program — This project will create an accessible community garden at the East Providence Senior Center. It will provide fresh produce to older adults, offer on-site cooking classes, and culminate in a community Thanksgiving meal.

Providence: Community Libraries of Providence — This project will install handrails along the concrete ramp and stairs at Knight Memorial Library, enhancing safety and accessibility for older adults and individuals using canes, walkers, or wheelchairs.

Providence: Roger Williams Park Conservancy — This project will host two car-free days in Roger Williams Park to promote walking, hiking, and other slow transportation methods. This will create a safer, more inviting space for visitors, especially those age 50 and over.

Providence: West End Community Center — This project will teach older adults at the West End Community Center about Straw Bale Gardening, a cost-effective method to grow vegetables safely despite contaminated soil.

South Carolina

Columbia: NoMa STEAM — This project will provide a space for youth and adult gardeners to learn sustainable practices in growing and preserving food together. Monthly activities will include virtual meetings and on-site opportunities.

Hartsville: City of Hartsville — This project will transform a vacant event space into an indoor farmers market with renovated restrooms, vendor booths, and ample lighting. It will provide a safe, accessible, and comfortable environment for community events.

Lake City: City of Lake City — This project will develop a downtown walking trail to support outdoor recreation and wellness. The trail will feature art, fitness courts, and engaging signage, enhancing health and well-being for residents, especially those over 50.

Lexington: EmmanuWheel — This project will provide access ramps for individuals who rely on mobility devices but lack the financial resources for construction. Through a volunteer-based model, it will ensure dignity and independence for those in need.

Rock Hill: Housing Development Corporation Rock Hill — This project will supply older adult clients and community members with accessibility accessories to increase the safety, livability, and accessibility of their homes.

South Dakota

Crooks: Crooks Veterans Park — This project will transform a parcel of land into a vibrant Veterans Park with historical displays, colorful landscaping, and memorials honoring soldiers past and present.

Gayville: Gayville-Volin School District — This project will create an outdoor classroom, fostering intergenerational learning and community engagement. It will be used for school activities, community events, and summer programs.

Hayti: Town of Hayti Softball Field — This project will improve the baseball/softball field grandstand by adding a roof, a rail, and cement pads for comfortable seating. These enhancements will provide a safe and accessible environment for all generations.

Sioux Falls: Downtown Sioux Falls Inc. — This project will transform key downtown streets into pedestrian-only zones, promoting walkability and community engagement.

Spearfish: Spearfish Trails Coalition — This project will create accessible, multi-use trails for all ages. Designed for walkers, runners and cyclists, these trails will promote health, with features that accommodate people with physical impairments.

Tennessee

Crossville: Downtown Crossville Inc. — This project will revitalize Veterans Memorial Park with ADA-compliant features to honor veterans and ensure safe access for all, especially older adults. The project includes safe seating, a wider walkway, and a stable surface.

Lawrenceburg: Downtown Lawrenceburg — This project will provide a mobile mini golf course, encouraging walking, activity, and social connection. Designed with accessible paths and seating, it promotes active living and a vibrant community, especially for older adults.

Texas

Austin: BikeTexas — This project will create a 104-foot mural on the Austin urban loop trail, celebrating the city's 1871 railroad history. Featuring 13 panels of local art, this project promotes outdoor recreation and community well-being.

Dallas: Beloved Community Center — This project will help low-to-moderate income older adults resolve tangled titles for heirs property, allowing them to access homeownership benefits. It will connect them with free legal assistance and provide estate planning.

Fort Worth: Cindy Ramsey Center — This project will provide critical home repairs and accessibility upgrades for older adults. By installing ramps, handrails, and safety features, the project helps older adults age in place safely and independently.

Houston: Wesley Community Center — This project will provide older adults with technology resources and digital resilience workshops to prepare for natural disasters. It includes laptops, solar-powered phone chargers, hotspots, and solar charging stations.

San Antonio: Gardopia Gardens — This project will create a community garden at Ella Austin Community Center, offering adults 50+ hands-on gardening activities. This project promotes healthy aging, social connection, and food access.

U.S. Virgin Islands

Christiansted: St. Croix Foundation —This project will develop plans for an accessible green space at Sunday Market Square. This project aims to foster resilience, food security, and healthy aging by creating a welcoming environment for older adults and families.

Christiansted: Virgin Islands Youth Advocacy Coalition Inc. — This project will enhance digital literacy for older adults. Trained high schoolers will teach smartphone use, online safety, cloud storage, telehealth, and key services, promoting independence and reducing social isolation.

St. John: St. JanCo — This project will upgrade the St. Ursula's Mission kitchen, which was damaged by Hurricanes Irma and Maria, to support St. John Meals on Wheels and aid disaster recovery. Improvements will ensure ongoing service for older adults and other residents.

Utah

Mantua: Town of Mantua Parks and Trails — This project will support amenities such as tables, bleachers, a bandstand, and more in Maple Springs Park, a four-seasons park with ADA-compliant walkways, benches, pickleball courts, and mountain views.

Price: Southeastern Community Action Partnership — This project will create a community garden to provide produce, improve nutrition, and increase food security for low-income individuals. The garden will also foster social interaction and combat isolation for people age 50-plus.

Salt Lake City: Switchpoint — This project will be part of an effort to convert properties into affordable studio apartments for older adults and veterans. The project includes renovations and supportive services, fostering independence, and stability for vulnerable residents.

Vermont

Cornwall: Cornwall Outdoor Recreation Area Committee — This project will create an ADA-compliant walking path in a new recreation area, providing direct access to amenities like benches, exercise stations, pickleball/tennis courts, a picnic pavilion, and a pollinator garden.

Jericho: Jericho Bicycle and Pedestrian Connectivity Committee — This project will install a pedestrian lane along Raceway Road to connect homes, an independent living facility, and essential amenities. Protective bollards will delineate the path, enhancing safety for pedestrians and cyclists.

Lyndon: Town of Lyndon — This project will enhance Bandstand Park by adding a pollinator garden, vine trellis, and wheelchair-accessible picnic tables. This will improve accessibility, provide comfortable seating, and create an intergenerational space.

Montpelier: Montpelier Alive — This project will illuminate the North Branch Pedestrian Bridge to enhance safety and access to the Siboinebi recreational path. It aims to create a vibrant public space, benefiting residents, especially older adults.

Poultney: Slate Valley Trails — This project in support of the Poultney River Loop will enable the creation of new maps, kiosks, wayfinding posts and blazes to enhance navigability. These improvements aim to create a safer and more inclusive trail experience.

Virginia

Ferrum: Friends of Ferrum Park — This project will create the first section of an ADA-accessible trail, accommodating residents of all mobility needs. This project aims to address older adult isolation by providing a safe, level trail for outdoor activity.

Haymarket: White House Farm Foundation — This project will enhance accessibility by installing benches and native plants along the trail. This project aims to benefit older adults and visitors with mobility challenges, while promoting wildlife watching opportunities.

Lynchburg: City of Lynchburg — This wayfinding project will help residents and the school community navigate the shared public space. It aims to activate the underutilized schoolyard, fostering intergenerational engagement.

Woodbridge: OmniRide — This project will relocate a bus stop to a safer location near Fellowship House, an apartment complex for older adults with limited income. It will include a new shelter, concrete pad, and seating, improving accessibility.

Washington

Everett: City of Everett — This project will create an ADA accessible entry into Walter E. Hall Park, enhancing access for all residents. It will open a closed utility corridor and build a paved pathway, connecting the park to nearby neighborhoods.

Maple Falls, Sumas, Everson, Nooksack: Habitat for Humanity in Whatcom County — This project will repair homes for low-income homeowners age 50-plus who cannot afford or physically manage the repairs. Repairs include roof fixes, wheelchair ramps, and yard cleanup.

Seattle: LISC Puget Sound — This project will help low- and moderate-income older adults access property tax relief. It aims to reduce housing costs and prevent displacement through outreach, multilingual education, and local partnerships.

Spokane: Refugee and Immigrant Connections Spokane — This project will support workshops to teach digital literacy skills to refugee older adults age 60 or over. Topics include basic computer use, internet safety, and emailing, aiming to improve independence and social participation.

West Virginia

Bluefield: Bluefield Arts and Revitalization Corporation — This project will renovate the historic Hotel Thelma into 10 affordable apartments for older adults and a restaurant. It will include solar panels, an intergenerational garden, and exhibits on Thelma Stone's legacy.

Richwood: City of Richwood —This project will equip the Richwood Community Center with a 60-KW generator to provide emergency power during disasters. This will ensure the center can serve as a safe shelter for residents.

Ronceverte: Gateway Industries Incorporated — This project will support the creation of a multigenerational entertainment destination and provide low-impact exercise for residents of all ages.

Wisconsin

Darlington: Johnson Public Library — This project will create a Seed Library to promote seed saving, distribution, and sustainability. It will offer educational programs, starter seeds, and community events, benefiting people of all ages.

Ladysmith: Rusk County Community Library Foundation — This project will replace outdated handicap door openers to ensure safe and independent access for all patrons. It will enhance accessibility, comply with ADA standards, and encourage engagement.

Milwaukee: Mujeres con Poder — This project will improve Kozy Park's infrastructure with increased seating, better lighting, and native landscaping. It aims to enhance accessibility and usage, especially for residents age 50-plus.

Neillsville: Neillsville Improvement Corporation — This project will transform a brushy area next to the community walking trail into a creekside greenspace with an accessible picnic table, bench, and pathway. Volunteers will clear brush and install ADA-compliant amenities.

Northeast Wisconsin: New North — This project will expand digital access and literacy by training community navigators. It will help residents, especially those age 50-plus, adopt and use internet services, improving access to essential services.

Sturgeon Bay: Door County Habitat for Humanity — This project will provide free repairs to homeowners age 50-plus, ensuring they can age in place safely. Volunteers will fix handrails, stairs, faucets, toilets, windows, and doors, funded by grants for materials.

Wyoming

Clearmont: Clearmont Historical Group — This project will involve building a wheelchair-accessible sidewalk connecting the museum to Branding Iron Park. This project will improve access for all visitors, including older adults.

Sheridan: Heritage Towers of the Christian Church — This project will create a patio garden with flowers, vegetables, and seating to promote well-being for tenants and the community. It will provide fresh vegetables, enhance socialization, and offer a relaxing space for older adults.

Thermopolis: Hot Springs County Senior Citizens Center Inc. — This project will establish a transportation assistance program for individuals age 50-plus. It will provide financial aid for ride

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2025 AARP Community Challenge Grantees

AARP.org/CommunityChallenge

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