AARP Commits $160,350 to Strengthen 16 Communities Across Oklahoma

AARP announced 16 organizations throughout Oklahoma were awarded 2026 Community Challenge Grants. The grants support improvements to public spaces, transportation, housing, digital connectivity, disaster preparedness, and other local priorities that help improve social connections and strengthen neighborhoods and towns of all sizes.

The grants are part of an $8.3 million commitment by AARP to fund 750 quick-action projects nationwide aimed at making communities more livable for people of all ages, especially older adults. This year marks the 10-year anniversary of the program and also doubles the number of grantees awarded from the previous year.

"Communities across Oklahoma are eager for solutions that boost mobility, connection, and quality of life," said AARP Oklahoma Volunteer State President Charlie Swinton. "Thanks to Community Challenge grants, we're empowering residents to implement impactful improvements that make a sizeable difference in a short period of time."

Swinton said projects reflect growing demand for practical, local solutions that help residents stay connected, safe and independent.

• Absentee Shawnee Housing Authority – Residents in two neighborhoods are receiving funding for extended walkways, an accessible pavilion, new lighting, benches and safety signage.
• Absentee Shawnee Housing Authority – Local community centers will host monthly disaster preparedness training meetings, including preparedness tools and weather radios, for Absentee Shawnee Tribe elders.
• Association of Central Oklahoma Governments – Implementing temporary curb extensions, bike lanes, crossings and parklets will demonstrate how street safety may be improved and taken into consideration for long-term fixes.
• Bartlesville Cultural Center – Residents will gain access to fresh food at the community center by creating an accessible garden featuring raised beds, shaded seating and cultural gardening activities, additionally giving residents active roles as growers and teachers.
• Central Oklahoma Regional Transportation Organization – The organization will give several rural communities across the state a chance to test a shared mobility toolkit with benches, signs and safety features to test walkability improvements. These pilots will help communities create safer, clearer walking routes for older residents.
• CharlieMary Foundation, Inc. – Four disaster preparedness training courses for Wagoner County residents will provide planning tools and resources to improve readiness during emergencies.
• City of Bethany – New benches, shade structures and bleachers near pickleball courts in a public park will offer residents comfortable places to rest and enjoy outdoor activities.
• City of Wewoka – In an effort to reduce fall risk and increase walkability in its downtown area, the city will add handrails and outdoor seating to create a more welcoming environment.
• Cleveland County Commissioners – The county will assess homes and install aluminum entry ramps for older residents to reduce the risk of falls, strengthen independence and help older adults remain safe in their homes.
• Community Market of Pottawatomie County – The community market is transforming its garden into a more accessible and inviting community space with raised beds, improved pathways and native landscaping. The revitalized garden will provide adults age 50-plus with opportunities to grow fresh produce, stay active and build meaningful connections with others.
• Eastern Shawnee Tribe of Oklahoma – The installation of solar radar speed signs and artistic crosswalks will transform pedestrian safety. These measures will additionally calm traffic and protect elders as they walk between housing, wellness and community facilities.
• Food on the Move – Social life and community life will be strengthened with a community garden expansion. By adding raised garden beds, benches and picnic tables, older adults can garden comfortably, move easily through the space and gather with neighbors.
• Meals on Wheels of Metro Tulsa – Safety modifications for homebound older Tulsans will allow them to move comfortably, reduce fall risks and support aging safely at home.
• NE Oklahoma Connection Group Inc. – Multiple walk audits will occur in the city's highly trafficked areas to address limited accessibility. Findings will be shared with town officials to support future improvements.
• Ponca City Main Street – The downtown area will be easier to navigate for older adults with the installation of permanent benches along sidewalks.
• Southeast Regional Transportation Organization – Three mobility hubs, equipped with bike repair sheds, seating, shade and clear informational signage, will increase safety for those using trails and bike routes to reach daily destinations.