Bismarck, ND

AARP Community Challenge Grant Year: 2021

Project Category: Public space activation

Description: As part of Bismarck's Health in All Policies initiative, the City made improvements to its 16th Street Park, intending to create a sense of place and encourage residents to be active outdoors. To revitalize the park, project organizers installed a new bench, ADA-accessible picnic table and game table. Local artists also designed a mural for a building onsite and decorated walkways with sidewalk chalk art. To complete the activation, volunteers created designs by pushing colorful plastic cups through the park's chain link fences. Additionally, the City conducted a temporary traffic calming demonstration at a nearby roundabout in an effort to make the area safer for pedestrians.

Silver City, NM

AARP Community Challenge Grant Year: 2022

Project Category: Public space activation

Description: A dead-end section of Yankie Street was transformed into an engaging, interactive, pedestrian connection between their main downtown street, Bullard, and the Big Ditch Park. The project turned it into an interactive space with historic flood panels, murals and checkerboard designs, plus signage inviting free games like checkers and washers. Local artists infused cultural heritage into the artwork, creating a vibrant link between downtown and Big Ditch Park. "Our families have lived in Grant County since 1900. Our memories of them live on through our creations. We are beyond proud to have been a part of this project." one artist said, underscoring the personal stories woven into the transformation.

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

Corning, AR

AARP Community Challenge Grant Year: 2022

Project Category: Public space activation

Description: Wynn Park is home to a paved, tree-lined walking path, which members of the local Silver Sneakers walking club use frequently. However, that path lacked seating options. To increase accessibility for people of all ages and abilities, the City of Corning installed ADA-compliant benches along the walking track and on the nearby Clay County Courthouse grounds. Volunteers also beautified the courthouse campus by planting flowers. Organizers say the improvements give older adults places to rest that are welcoming and beautiful.