West Memphis, AR

AARP Community Challenge Grant Year: 2019

Project Category: Public space activation

Description: The town of West Memphis hoped to promote community connections, cycling and walking. To achieve this, the town set up three parklets in its Main Street District, located near an expanded bike trail that links West Memphis with neighboring Memphis, Tennessee. Parklets -- mini street oases created in the footprint of a parking space -- provide places to sit, talk and gather. The West Memphis parklets each feature LED lighting and public art. Sculptures created from donated bicycles distinguish two of the parklets. The other parklet features new wooden benches and an oversized sculpture of a guitar, meant to pay homage to the town's musical heritage.

Devens, MA

AARP Community Challenge Grant Year: 2021

Project Category: Public space activation

Description: As part of larger efforts to create a community space that honors veterans, Clear Path for Veterans added Adirondack chairs and tables to the Devens Memorial Courtyard. Project organizers hope the space offers visitors the opportunity to sit and quietly reflect on those who have served the nation. The new seating is also set up to facilitate private, face-to-face mental health and integrative wellness coaching sessions -- ensuring veterans and their health care providers had a safe, outdoor space to meet during the COVID-19 pandemic. Since installing the seating, Clear Path for Veterans has used the courtyard to host meetings with veterans and mental health professionals, as well as community meals and vaccination clinics.

Readfield, ME

AARP Community Challenge Grant Year: 2018

Project Category: Public space activation

Description: Readfield's Age-Friendly Committee set out to enhance the town's public spaces and draw the community together. They purchased outdoor furniture to activate two spaces -- one outside the local public library and the other at Readfield Beach on Maranacook Lake. The beach's moveable Adirondack chairs give visitors a change to interact with each other. Additionally, the tables and chairs at the library allow residents to access free Wi-Fi service, even when the library building is closed. Library visitors of all wages can also rest there after enjoying the nearby story walk.