Camden, NJ

AARP Community Challenge Grant Year: 2021

Project Category: Public space activation

Description: A vacant lot on North Camden's waterfront was unappealing and attracted illegal dumping. The Camden Community Partnership decided to give the lot new life by turning it into a gathering space for residents of all ages. As part of larger efforts to activate the space, the Partnership commissioned a local artist to create a mural onsite. The artist asked older adults questions about their community and used their responses to inform the mural's design, which volunteers helped paint onto a nearby building. Since its completion, project organizers say the mural has served as a model for other local public art projects, with three additional murals in the works. The new greenspace has also tied into other community building work, including development of trail along the Delaware and Cooper Rivers.

Gallatin, MO

AARP Community Challenge Grant Year: 2024

Project Category: Public space activation

Description: Gallatins Main Street lacked safe, accessible spaces, leaving older adults at risk on poorly lit sidewalks and struggling with a hard-to-use entrance. The center addressed this by installing dusk-to-dawn LED lighting at its storefront and alley, adding a commercial door with ADA-compliant features and placing a weather-resistant bench and table set for outdoor socializing. These upgrades improved safety, accessibility and community engagement while modernizing the buildings appearance. One participant said the new door is "not only aesthetically pleasing, it is safer for us."

Project description was created using generative AI and then reviewed for accuracy.

Wetumpka, AL

AARP Community Challenge Grant Year: 2019

Project Category: Public space activation

Description: Until Main Street Wetumpka saw the opportunity to create an outdoor community space, the dim alley connecting Company and Hill Streets in downtown Wetumpka served largely as a place to park cars. The local nonprofit worked to transform the alley into a sustainable, wheelchair accessible outdoor gathering space featuring greenery, moveable furniture and a live performance space. After a devastating tornado in early 2019, the Alleyway Project had to take a pause. But the project got back on track, with Main Street Wetumpka completing its work before other damage in the area was restored. Because of this, the alley activation became an inspiration for a wounded town. Now it's a lively spot for weekly events and a place for local workers to eat lunch outside. A project organizer said she hopes the alley's mural featuring historic Wetumpka figures helps connect young residents to their history inspires them to reach for the stars.