New Orleans, LA

AARP Community Challenge Grant Year: 2025

Project Category: Public space activation

Description: The Urban Conservancy addressed the lack of accessible, comfortable outdoor space in Gert Town, where older adults had few shaded places to walk, sit or gather near their homes. An unused lot offered little reason to enter and limited access points made it feel disconnected from the neighborhood. The project transformed the site into an inviting orchard and community space by adding an accessible walking path, shade structures, fruit trees, signage and a bike rack. New entrances made the space easier to reach and clearly signaled that neighbors were welcome. Older adults now have a place to spend time outdoors, connect with others and access fresh fruit, while ongoing use and planning are guiding future additions that will keep the space active and cared for.

Project description was created using generative AI and then reviewed for accuracy.

Lynchburg, VA

AARP Community Challenge Grant Year: 2021

Project Category: Public space activation

Description: To organizers with the Downtown Lynchburg Association, an underused, dead-end street had potential to draw visitors downtown. The Association transformed the space into Art Alley -- a vibrant, outdoor art gallery. To activate the space, volunteers covered the pavement in turquoise, orange, pink and green paint. They also set up string lights overhead to provide illumination. Finally, they created the Spark Joy Gallery by installing panels that display digital artworks. Project organizers say the placemaking effort has since inspired nearby property owners to spruce up their building facades, and the Art Alley has become a must-see for tourists passing through town.

New Ulm, MN

AARP Community Challenge Grant Year: 2018

Project Category: Public space activation

Description: Downtown Action Team partnered with Minnesota Main Street to encourage residents of all ages to come downtown, walk down main street and learn about local history. To encourage socializing, they rearranged underutilized benches downtown, grouping some with new outdoor tables to create places for residents to sit and linger. Organizers installed plaques featuring photos and a brief narrative on the benches. Additionally, they adorned tabled with imagery and text explaining New Ulm's history.