2020 AARP Community Challenge Grantee

Inc. has been selected to receive an AARP Community Challenge grant. In total, 184 grantees were chosen from across all 50 states, Washington, D.C, Puerto Rico and the U.S. Virgin Islands.

The “quick-action” grant will provide installation of eight permanent tables and seating at the Art Bosque Food Truck Court in the Caddo Common park, located at 869 Texas Ave. in Shreveport Common. The AARP tables will be installed this fall, marking the beginning of Phase II additions to the communityinformed, artist-designed park.

The City of Shreveport will provide the installation of the AARP tables, and Shreveport Regional Arts Council is creatively repurposing a box truck to a mobile kiosk for checking out games for use in the park.

“We are thrilled that AARP selected Shreveport Common for this grant, which launches Phase II additions to this beautiful new greenspace,” stated

Wendy Benscoter, executive director of Shreveport Common Inc. “AARP is a nationwide leader on making neighborhoods, towns and cities more livable for all residents, and we are honored that they see the tangible value of this public/private community project.”

According to Benscoter, projects requiring construction, such as the outdoor performance pavilion with restrooms, mister station and Art Bosque Artist-Trees, have been delayed due to Covid-19. Those projects are expected to begin early 2021.

About the Community Challenge

The Community Challenge funds innovative projects that inspire change in areas such as transportation, public spaces, housing, smart cities, civic engagement, coronavirus response and more.

It’s all part of AARP’s nationwide work on livable communities, which supports the efforts of neighborhoods, towns, cities and counties across the country to become great places for all residents. AARP believes that communities should provide safe, walkable streets; affordable and accessible housing and transportation options; access to needed services; and opportunities for residents to participate in community life.

To learn more about the work being funded by the AARP Community Challenge across the nation, visit aarp. org/CommunityChallenge.