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AARP Commits $127,697 to Strengthen 13 Communities Across Arkansas
13 communities across Arkansas are receiving a boost in their efforts to become more livable for residents of all ages.
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AARP is proud to announce the 10-year anniversary of the AARP Community Challenge, a decade-long effort to accelerate community improvements through quick-action grants. To make this milestone – and in response to high demand – AARP has doubled the size of the program in 2026, enabling us to support more communities and more high-impact local projects than ever before.
In 2026, $8.3 million in quick-action grants are being awarded to 750 projects across all 50 states, Washington, D.C., Puerto Rico, and the U.S. Virgin Islands.
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The AARP Community Challenge supports innovative projects that create immediate change while paving the way for long-term improvements. Grants focus on priority areas including public places, housing, transportation, digital connectivity, and more.
Additional 2026 program funders include:
- Toyota Motor North America, supporting pedestrian safety initiatives to improve streets and sidewalks nationwide.
- Microsoft, funding digital connections projects that expand high-speed internet access and promote broadband adoption.
Here in Arkansas, AARP is thrilled to support 14 projects in 13 communities that are helping to create great places for people of all backgrounds, ages, and abilities. As local leaders work to create more livable communities, these grants provide essential support – especially in areas where small, flexible investments can lead to big change.
The 2026 program includes three grant types:
- Flagship Grants
- Capacity-Building Microgrants
- Demonstration Grants
2026 Grantees in Arkansas include:
- City of Keiser -- Fitness equipment, benches and walking loops will be added to expand an exercise area used by many older adults. These upgrades will support mobility and outdoor activities.
- City of Keiser – Hands’-on disaster readiness training will help Keiser residents age 50 and older prepare for local emergencies. Shared activities will encourage neighborhood involvement and preparedness.
- Town of Etowah Parks & Recreation -- A new pickleball court will be built within the existing city park using a shared-use surface and equipment. The court will offer a low-impact way for older residents to exercise and socialize.
- Bald Knob Senior Center -- This project will improve safety and create a more inviting space for residents aged 50-plus to gather, share meals, and connect.
- City of Marianna -- An unused tennis court will be converted into multiple pickleball courts with nearby seating. The updated space will give older adults a place to play, watch and stay active close to home.
- Legacy Lane Collective, Jonesboro -- Preparedness workshops and emergency kits will be offered to older residents across housing sites. The program will increase safety during storms, outages and other emergencies.
- City of Blytheville -- An ADA accessible outdoor classroom with gardens and activity areas will be created at the local Senior Citizens Center. The space will support learning, social interaction and low-impact outdoor use.
- Main Street Paris -- Five walk audits will evaluate aging sidewalks and crossings in the downtown district. Results will help city leaders plan pedestrian repairs and upgrades.
- Rural America Economic Development Foundation Inc., Springfield -- A combined community garden and digital learning hub will be created for older adults. The space will support gardening, technology use and social connection.
- I'm A Part Ministries, West Memphis -- Community training will teach older adults and their families how to use a home safety guide. Affordable products and demonstrations will support safer aging at home.
- City of Parkin -- Parkin Central Park will gain a marked walking loop with benches, distance markers and seating stations. These features will support regular walking by offering rest points and clear progress cues for older adults.
- City of Little Rock -- A neighborhood digital access hub will offer computers and bilingual assistance. Residents will gain support for using online services independently.
- Friends of the Public Library, Pine Bluff -- Bike audits will review safety and connectivity in downtown Pine Bluff. Older adult participants will help identify barriers and areas for improvement.
- Faulkner County Library, Conway – Native prairie habitat will be restored and an ADA boardwalk and viewing platform constructed. The space will support outdoor learning, nature viewing and community programs.
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The AARP Community Challenge is part of AARP’s broader Livable Communities initiative, which supports neighborhoods, towns, cities, and counties in becoming great places for all residents. A livable community is one where people of all ages can thrive, with:
- Safe, walkable streets
- Affordable and accessible housing and transportation
- Access to essential services
- Opportunities for people of all ages to engage in community life
To learn more about the AARP Community Challenge – here in Arkansas and nationwide – visit aarp.org/CommunityChallenge. You can also explore the AARP Livable Communities Map, an interactive tool featuring AARP Community Challenge grantees and members of the AARP Network of Age-Friendly States and Communities.
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