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Casey County Public Library (2024) Print
2024 AARP Community Challenge Grantee
Project Category
Public places
└ Public space activation
└ Public space activation
Low literacy rates and few enrichment activities left older adults in Casey County without ways to learn and connect. The library installed a StoryWalk along an accessible trail, featuring interactive story panels and hosting a ribbon-cutting event. Walking groups and families began using it for exercise and engagement, and stories rotate monthly. One participant said he that he thought the incorporation of sign language was very useful, and enjoyed learning and using it.
Project description was created using generative AI and then reviewed for accuracy.
Project description was created using generative AI and then reviewed for accuracy.
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Morgantown, WV
AARP Community Challenge Grant Year: 2018
Project Category: Public space activation
Description: Many older adults in Morgantown do errands on foot. But patrons of the city's senior centers reported they often needed to sit and take a break while walking downtown. Unfortunately, the downtown area lacked suitable seating options. To make the space more welcoming, the City of Morgantown installed accessible benches throughout the business district. Project organizers say the new seating has sparked enthusiasm for additional downtown improvements. Additionally, the seating is allowing more people to walk to local shops, restaurants, doctors' offices and other amenities.
Kennett Square, PA
AARP Community Challenge Grant Year: 2020
Project Category: Public space activation
Description: With the goal of supporting small businesses downtown, this project created the first parklet in Kennett Square. Before installing the mini-park, only one side of the borough's main street featured wide sidewalks and could be closed to vehicles on the weekends. Project organizers hoped to expand the space available for outdoor dining and gathering. To do this, the Historic Kennett Square repurposed three on-street parking spaces, installing deck flooring, adding overhead string lights and setting out picnic tables and planters. Four restaurants -- two coffee shops and two restaurants -- used the space. Volunteers designed the parklet be torn down ahead of the winter months and set back up in the spring. Project organizers say the parklet helped demonstrate the value of placemaking projects.
Honolulu, HI
AARP Community Challenge Grant Year: 2021
Project Category: Public space activation
Description: While Hawaii is known for beaches and lush mountains, many urban areas lack accessible green space. To give residents outdoor space, Better Block Hawaii planned, designed and installed two parklets in Honolulu's Kalihi neighborhood. Working with the City of Honolulu to identify areas of need, they installed the first parklet at Richie's Drive Inn, transforming a parking area into a mini park with tables, benches, planters and a mural. Parklets help local businesses extend their storefronts onto the sidewalk and boost revenue by creating cozy, inviting gathering places.
Nearby AARP Community Challenge Projects
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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