Nowata, OK

AARP Community Challenge Grant Year: 2022

Project Category: Public space activation

Description: An unused alley in downtown Nowata was transformed into a welcoming space for older adults and other residents to gather. The project added ADA-compliant benches and tables, flower beds, lighting, a modular stage and anchors for an outdoor movie screen. The alley now hosts events like movie nights and awareness programs, creating a consistent venue for community activities. One organizer noted that experiencing meaningful and fun activities now available will help the community come together.

Camden, SC

AARP Community Challenge Grant Year: 2017

Project Category: Public space activation

Description: Camden's Main Street program transformed the city's Broad Street alley into a vibrant throughway for shoppers and diners. To involve community members in the makeover, the City invited residents to the space to create stained glass-like globes out of tissue paper. By hanging the completed art pieces and adding LED string lights and shade canopies, the City created a decorative, open ceiling to the alley. They later added benches and planters to create an outdoor gathering space. "It's wonderful to see the residents who created pieces strolling through the alley and pointing out to friends and family where their piece is located," Camden Main Street Program Manager Katherine Spadacenta said.

Dennis, MA

AARP Community Challenge Grant Year: 2022

Project Category: Public space activation

Description: Dennis Center for Active Living added an accessible outdoor patio to address the lack of space for social activities, a need heightened by pandemic isolation. The project built a 20x20 concrete platform with a wheelchair-accessible ramp, installed benches and placed six raised garden beds. Volunteers helped assemble furniture and plant flowers. The patio now hosts picnics, gardening and intergenerational events. "The DCAL Garden Patio is icing on the cake," said the project director, noting it fulfills a long-held vision for an inviting, inclusive gathering place.