Network Aims to Boost Livability

When Monmouth opened its new city hall last year, the neighboring senior community center looked a bit worn by comparison.

But that modest appearance perked up with the transformation of a drab alleyway into a lively, age-friendly parklet connecting the center to Main Street. A $15,000 AARP Community Challenge grant helped make the transformation possible — one of two recent Willamette Valley projects to receive such funding, and part of AARP’s efforts to boost livability for all residents.

The redesigned space includes colorful tables and shaded seating. It’s a place to lunch, socialize or do tai chi — and it “makes so much sense for us,” says Monmouth Mayor Cecelia Koontz. Students from the University of Oregon created design options for the alley redo.

Neighboring Independence received an $18,000 grant to improve the new Sunset Meadows Park. “If it encourages older folks to walk, if it encourages kids to walk or ride their bicycles ... that’s good for all of us,” says Becky Jay, a planning commissioner for the city.

In addition to receiving AARP Community Challenge grants, Monmouth and Independence both joined the AARP Network of Age-Friendly States and Communities within the past year. Oregon now has 13 communities in the network.

The growing network is vital for a fast-aging state and nation, says Bandana Shrestha, AARP Oregon state director, who emphasizes that developing a multisector plan for aging is critical for building an age-friendly state.

“It’s thinking about what is that future? What do people want? How do we create conditions for all people to thrive, and invest and create policies that support them, in the way they want to live?” Shrestha asks.
—Rita Beamish