Orleans Parish, LA

AARP Community Challenge Grant Year: 2020

Project Category: Public space activation

Description: This project set out to improve New Orleans' St. Roch neighborhood by replacing an underused area with green spacce. Organizers hoped to provide a spot for people of all ages to socialize outdoors and care for a green space. In addition to giving the community a safe place to gather, the space is meant to give residents access to fruit and nut trees.

Manning, IA

AARP Community Challenge Grant Year: 2018

Project Category: Public space activation

Description: Organizers with Manning Main Street hoped to encourage visitors to Manning's vibrant downtown to congregate and socialize. To create an inviting environment, they installed twelve artistic lights along Main Street. Local artisans created the lights, which are comprised of panels featuring cutouts depicting local landmarks, including the town's water tower, trestle bridge and historic Lutheran church. The additional illumination also enhances safety in the area. In the years since, Main Street Manning has focused on streetscaping and has added more art installations downtown.

Southport, NC

AARP Community Challenge Grant Year: 2021

Project Category: Public space activation

Description: The stories of those buried in the John N. Smith Cemetery in Southport have never been shared with the broader community. As the only African American cemetery in the region, the John N Smith Cemetery Restoration and Preservation group created an outdoor museum onsite. The museum teaches residents about the racial and economic discrimination that Black members of that community have faced, as well as contributions residents made to the community. Project organizers designed and installed interpretive signage, as well as benches and a display board for public announcements and other information. Designed to be accessible for people of all ages, the space recounts an important part of Southport's history and culture.