The Superior Express -

Today, AARP Nebraska announced three organizations will receive 2021 Community Challenge grants – part of the largest group of grantees to date with $3.2 million awarded among 244 organizations nationwide. Grantees will implement quick-action projects to promote livable communities by improving housing, transportation, public spaces, civic engagement and connection with family, friends and neighbors with an emphasis on the needs of the 50-plus. Many of this year’s awards support revitalizing communities adversely impacted by the pandemic and include a focus on diversity, inclusion, and disparities.

“We are incredibly proud to collaborate with these organizations as they work to make immediate improvements in their communities, encourage promising ideas and jumpstart long-term change, especially for those age 50 and over,” said Todd Stubbendieck, state director of AARP Nebraska. “Our goal is to support the efforts of our communities to be great places for people of all backgrounds, ages and abilities.” 

All projects are expected to be completed by Nov. 10, 2021. Here in Nebraska, projects funded include:

* Nuckolls County Foundation-FBO Lawrence Community Fund: This $3,950 project will install two park benches and two ADA compliant picnic tables in a community park in Lawrence. The park currently has playground equipment and is near the community swimming pool and baseball and football fields. This will create a space for people to gather and enjoy the community park.

* City of Imperial: The $15,000 project will activate a vacant alleyway and transform it into a mini-park with murals, benches, a mosaic dragon for kids to play on, and raised garden beds for older adults and kids. The project seeks to create a space conducive to community gatherings that will make the city more welcoming.

* Spark: This $20,000 project will convert an unused parking lot in North Omaha into an interactive public space with murals, a community garden and seating. This space is at the southern trailhead of the North Omaha Trail and will be used to support social gatherings, meetings, and other community events. Spark is a nonprofit community development organization.

The Community Challenge grant program is part of AARP’s nationwide Livable Communities initiative, which supports the efforts of cities, towns, neighborhoods and rural areas to become great places to live for people of all ages. Since 2017, AARP Nebraska has awarded 12 grants and $115,150 through the program to nonprofit organizations and government entities across the state.

The tables and benches have not arrived in Lawrence as of this writing. When they arrive, they will need to be assembled and concrete pads will need to be constructed under the equipment. One interesting requirement is that the work needs to be done by volunteers 50 years old, or older.