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West Fargo, ND
AARP Community Challenge Grant Year: 2019
Project Category: Public space activation
Description: As part of efforts to attract visitors to its downtown, the City of West Fargo hoped to turn its POW/MIA Plaza on Sheyenne Street into a gathering space. To do this, the City purchased game tables for a previously underused portion of the plaza. This project helped demonstratethe importance of creating opportunities for fun and safe activities in the city's new and improved downtown area, City Planner Malachi Petersen said. It is our hope that this project will lead to future projects which encourage walkability and active lifestyles in our community. Today the plaza hosts community events, including a farmers market. Project organizers hope to replicate the games in other parts of West Fargo in the future.
Milwaukee, WI
AARP Community Challenge Grant Year: 2020
Project Category: Public space activation
Description: As part of the ongoing efforts to improve Gardner Park, the City of Milwaukee added a new community gathering space. Located in the Menomonee River Hills neighborhood, the intergenerational space features a gravel patio area, as well as wheelchair-accessible tables with built-in game boards, benches, an information kiosk and new landscaping. Previously, the City installed a new playground, walking path and fitness equipment at the park. Project organizers say in recent years the neighborhood has welcomed an influx of new families -- including those from the Hmong community -- underscoring the need for a public space for neighbors to meet and socialize.
Saint Peter, MN
AARP Community Challenge Grant Year: 2023
Project Category: Public space activation
Description: This project will convert a vacant lot into a downtown plaza and community event space, providing a gathering place for residents and visitors.
Nearby AARP Community Challenge Projects
Reedsville, WV
AARP Community Challenge Grant Year: 2024
Project Category: Park enhancements
Description: This project will install an ADA-compliant water fountain in a town park that is undergoing renovation.
Kingwood, WV
AARP Community Challenge Grant Year: 2019
Project Category: Park enhancements
Description: Although this project originally set out to expand social activities at Decker's Creek Park, the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic forced organizers to pivot. Instead, the Preston County Parks and Recreation Commission made improvements to the park's green space to increase walkability and accessibility for park visitors. They added an accessible picnic table, raised garden beds, trash cans, an information kiosk and a wooden sign for the park. They also planted the garden beds with pollinator-friendly perennials, with plans to invite the local Master Gardeners to use the plots in the future. In addition, the Parks and Recreation Commission painted and replaced boards on the park's pedestrian bridge. Since these upgrades, the Commission reports more visitors to the park, as well as an uptick in youth volunteer service. Recent projects include a new picnic table, outdoor classroom, little free library and bench.
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