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Des Moines, IA
AARP Community Challenge Grant Year: 2021
Project Category: Public space activation
Description: In the early to mid-1900s, the Waveland Trolley was an integral part of Des Moines' transportation system yet has long since been replaced by more modern options. The Des Moines Historical Society's Waveland Trolley Project set out to commemorate the city's rich history by transforming a long-neglected space into a walkable outdoor transit museum. The park-like setting is located on the former site of the trolley loop, where streetcars would turn around at the end of their route. The outdoor museum features benches, bike racks, panels displaying historical information and a life-sized sculpture of the Waveland Trolley.
Driggs, ID
AARP Community Challenge Grant Year: 2019
Project Category: Public space activation
Description: The City of Driggs hoped to attract residents of all ages to Driggs' new downtown plaza, already home to a popular bocce ball court. The solution Add games. Project organizers set up a concrete foosball table and chess table. They also added chairs built to withstand the elements. A ribbon cutting ceremony drew locals, and now the plaza sees at least 10 people a day playing the interactive games.
Buffalo, WY
AARP Community Challenge Grant Year: 2024
Project Category: Public space activation
Description: This project will display markers on the graves of veterans interred in local cemeteries. The markers recognize and honor each veterans' service.
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Danville, KY
AARP Community Challenge Grant Year: 2019
Project Category: Public art installations
Description: Danville has a significant population of residents who are deaf or hard of hearing. The Community Arts Center hoped to foster a greater sense of belonging for these individuals and to strengthen their sense of place. To achieve this, students from the Kentucky School for the Deaf created and installed a 100-square-foot mosaic on the exterior wall of the Community Arts Center, one of the town's most prominent buildings. The Center held workshops to teach the students about mosaic art and hosted a lecture series for the larger community. In a follow up survey of the students, a majority said they were excited to bring family to visit the mural. They also said the project boosted their sense of connection to the community.
Danville, KY
AARP Community Challenge Grant Year: 2018
Project Category: Public art installations
Description: Danville was known for the community's commitment to the arts, but the town lacked public art in its downtown. In an effort to bring vibrancy to the town's commercial core, Heart of Danville has supported more than 100 major renovation projects. This project installed the community's first large-scale mural. More than 1,000 residents provided feedback about what should be included in the mural designed by artist Andlee Rudloff. The final design showcases the community's history. To complete the mural, 205 people -- ranging in age from 2- to 80-years-old -- gathered to paint. Project organizers say the mural is the first step toward activating the adjacent parking lot, allowing it to host parklet installations and pop-up events.
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