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City of Bismarck (2021) Print
2021 AARP Community Challenge Grantee
Project Category
Public places
└ Public space activation
└ Public space activation
As part of Bismarck's Health in All Policies initiative, the City made improvements to its 16th Street Park, intending to create a sense of place and encourage residents to be active outdoors. To revitalize the park, project organizers installed a new bench, ADA-accessible picnic table and game table. Local artists also designed a mural for a building onsite and decorated walkways with sidewalk chalk art. To complete the activation, volunteers created designs by pushing colorful plastic cups through the park's chain link fences. Additionally, the City conducted a temporary traffic calming demonstration at a nearby roundabout in an effort to make the area safer for pedestrians.
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Dunedin, FL
AARP Community Challenge Grant Year: 2022
Project Category: Public space activation
Description: This project added universal-access picnic tables to the playground at the library. It also created a story walk with signage explaining the city's history and other distinctions.
Rapid City, SD
AARP Community Challenge Grant Year: 2017
Project Category: Public space activation
Description: To increase awareness of the local book club and other community activities, NeighborWorks designed and installed 30 flags in the North Rapid neighborhood. A local artists created designs for the flags and residents worked together to approve wording for each one. Volunteers then installed flags on utility poles throughout the neighborhood. Project organizers say that since the flags appeared, local groups have received inquiries about how to become more involved in local activities.
Durbin, WV
AARP Community Challenge Grant Year: 2022
Project Category: Public space activation
Description: Durbin faced unsafe walking conditions after dark, with steep roads and few sidewalks, discouraging outdoor activity for older adults. To address this, the town repaired a hazardous stairway to Main Street, added benches throughout town, installed a wheelchair-accessible picnic table and placed ADA-compliant trash receptacles. These improvements made public spaces safer and more inviting, encouraging residents to walk and gather. A former mayor noted appreciation for the safer stairway, saying it showed the community that "someone does care" and sparked hope for continued revitalization.
Project description was created using generative AI and then reviewed for accuracy.
Nearby AARP Community Challenge Projects
Bismarck, ND
AARP Community Challenge Grant Year: 2024
Project Category: Public art installations
Description: A deteriorating pedestrian tunnel along Bismarck's riverfront trail discouraged use and raised safety concerns. To address this, the organization engaged 684 residents, including older adults, in paint and mosaic parties to create dozens of mural panels and a mosaic piece. Artists were trained in the Polytab method, ensuring the mural lasts decades and withstands harsh weather. Beyond aesthetics, the project fostered social connection and creative engagement for older adults. Upon installation, the tunnel will be transformed into a welcoming space and local artists will be equiped with sustainable skills.
Project description was created using generative AI and then reviewed for accuracy.
Bismarck, ND
AARP Community Challenge Grant Year: 2022
Project Category: Public or private transit access
Description: Many residents lacked knowledge about how to use public transit, creating barriers for older adults and people with disabilities-especially after the local taxi service closed. Bis-Man Transit produced 11 short instructional videos explaining trip planning, timetables, fares and stop requests. Shared online and used in training sessions, these videos provide a lasting resource to help riders feel confident using public transit. Volunteers, including an older adult and a wheelchair user, appeared in the videos to show real-life scenarios, making the system more approachable and accessible.
Project description was created using generative AI and then reviewed for accuracy.
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