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Bowman County Development Corporation (2021) Print
2021 AARP Community Challenge Grantee
Project Category
Public places
└ Public space activation
└ Public space activation
This project transformed a vacant lot on Bowman's Main Street into a community garden and pocket park. The Bowman County Development Corporation activated the space by adding accessible seating, an outdoor dining area, flowerpots and a shade structure. Residents of the small town were encouraged to get involved by laying pavers and planting grass, while a sign at the garden's entrance invites visitors to pull a weed or two and enjoy the fresh produce. Since the improvements, other local organizations have added to the garden, installing bike racks and a self-watering plot showcasing native plants.
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Metuchen, NJ
AARP Community Challenge Grant Year: 2022
Project Category: Public space activation
Description: A car-focused downtown left few places for pedestrians to rest or connect. The alliance transformed a corner near the local adult center into a conversational landscape with benches, a custom mosaic table and refreshed planters. A ribbon cutting drew nearby residents who praised the new seating and art. The space now encourages conversation and walkability. One resident said she was "thrilled" to finally have a place to sit during her daily walks, and the art element has sparked community engagement and future programming.
Project description was created using generative AI and then reviewed for accuracy.
Old Orchard Beach, ME
AARP Community Challenge Grant Year: 2019
Project Category: Public space activation
Description: Old Orchard Beach Community Friendly Connection reenergized a neighborhood block, organizing residents to clean up, restore and refresh the Washington Avenue District and Atlantic Courts Park. A sidewalk and crosswalk painting project brightened the area and encouraged locals to walk. To improve public safety, the town also worked with the local cable and electric companies to mount a security camera near the park's basketball court and convert the court's lighting to LED. After the project was complete, about 250 people attended a block party to celebrate, with residents voting to rename the area Washington Square. Nearby businesses and community groups have ridden the momentum and made improvements to their properties as well. Those living in the neighborhood report they walk through the area more often since the transformation.
Richmond, ME
AARP Community Challenge Grant Year: 2024
Project Category: Public space activation
Description: Richmond's Main Street offered no seating, making uphill walks difficult for older adults and limiting social interaction. After preparing the site, Lifelong Richmond installed seven benches with volunteer support, creating safe resting spots near shops and the library. The benches quickly became gathering places for errands and events, reducing isolation and encouraging outdoor activity. Residents praised the change during the town's holiday celebration, and officials plan to add more benches to expand access.
Project description was created using generative AI and then reviewed for accuracy.
Nearby AARP Community Challenge Projects
Bowman, ND
AARP Community Challenge Grant Year: 2024
Project Category: Accessibility of amenities
Description: Older residents loved visiting the local theater but struggled to hear movies and community events due to outdated sound equipment. To restore access, the theater installed a new audio system with column speakers, microphones and an RF listening system offering individual devices for those with hearing loss. Volunteers helped with installation, and the upgrades immediately drew praise from older adults who can now enjoy films and presentations again. The project revived a cherished community space and will inspire similar improvements at other venues.
Project description was created using generative AI and then reviewed for accuracy.
Hettinger, ND
AARP Community Challenge Grant Year: 2018
Project Category: Public space activation
Description: To expand recreation options for residents of Hettinger, this project activated Centennial Square, an underused space in the city's downtown. The Hettinger Area Chamber of Commerce added outdoor games to the square, including Jenga and chess. Organizers say they hope the games plaza draw people downtown and provide opportunities for intergenerational activities. "The biggest highlight of this project was the way that a few games brought together a diverse spread of community members of different ages," Chamber of Commerce Executive Director Jasmin Fosheim said.
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