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City of Afton (2020) Print
2020 AARP Community Challenge Grantee
Project Category
Public places
└ Public space activation
└ Public space activation
The City of Afton built a portable parklet, which City staff can easily set up around town. The temporary patio takes up the space of three on-street parking spaces and accommodates tables and chairs for a dozen people. It also includes shade sails to keep visitors out of the sun. Volunteers -- including local high school students -- constructed the parklet out of recycled wooden pallets. Designed to be broken down and stored for winter, the parklet offers extra outdoor seating for local restaurants parklet features shade sails to block out the sun. In addition, the City deploys it on the town square for community events, such as parades and the Fourth of July.
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Rapid City, SD
AARP Community Challenge Grant Year: 2023
Project Category: Public space activation
Description: This project will install ADA-compliant park benches, designed and built by students, at a farmers market and city park.
Allentown, PA
AARP Community Challenge Grant Year: 2019
Project Category: Public space activation
Description: United Way of the Greater Lehigh Valley installed new tables, benches and chairs, lighting and flower beds at the entrance to a local senior center. The enhancements helped create a safe, comfortable outdoor space for community members of all ages. Nearly 90 older adults use the Center on a daily basis and visitors now use the space to relax and converse. Project organizers report visitors and staff appreciate the beautiful space and say it has instilled a sense of pride in the community. Inspired by the success of this project, the United Way went on to plan a similar gathering space at another community center.
Max, ND
AARP Community Challenge Grant Year: 2020
Project Category: Public space activation
Description: To beautify its downtown, the City of Max added hanging flower baskets, benches and picnic tables, as well as raised garden beds. The undertaking was a community effort for the small town (Max only has 131 residents). A local community club picked out the flowers, with another group of older residents volunteering to plant them and keep them watered. Project organizers say they hope the brightened streetscape encourages residents to get out and stroll through downtown.
Nearby AARP Community Challenge Projects
Chariton, IA
AARP Community Challenge Grant Year: 2023
Project Category: Community Gardens
Description: This project will transform land adjacent to the library into an accessible gathering space and sensory garden, which will be open year-round and offer educational events on gardening, wildlife and nature appreciation.
Stanton, IA
AARP Community Challenge Grant Year: 2021
Project Category: Trails
Description: The Greenbelt walking trail in Stanton is a source community pride, with residents of all ages using the trail. However, the text on the trail's original mile marker signposts have worn off due to age and weather. The Stanton Community Foundation installed new metal mile markers shaped like Dala horses -- small, red wooden horses -- which pay homage to the town's Swedish heritage. The mile markers allow residents to track their progress as they navigate the Greenbelt.
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