AARP Hearing Center
AARP Livable Communities Map
City of Clarion (2021) Print
2021 AARP Community Challenge Grantee
Project Category
Public places
└ Public space activation
└ Public space activation
A dilapidated, abandoned building sat in the heart of Clarion's downtown business district. But city officials were concerned demolishing the building would result in a missing tooth -- a vacant lot not conducive for redevelopment. The City made the difficult decision to tear down the building, but rather than leave the site empty they turned the space into a pocket park. Equipped with accessible picnic tables and new trees, bushes, planters and attractive grasses, the new green space gives residents easy access from a parking lot to the shops and restaurants on Central Avenue.
Photo Gallery
Image:
Click on a photo to learn more
See More Projects Like This One
Williamston, NC
AARP Community Challenge Grant Year: 2020
Project Category: Public space activation
Description: To create a downtown community space, the Martin County Chamber of Commerce transformed an empty lot by building a covered stage. The Chamber also added seating, allowing the space to accommodate local events. In addition, they added raised garden beds nearby, installing them at different heights to accommodate, children, older adults and people who use wheelchairs. Since its installation, the stage has hosted a variety of events and performances, including a local theater group's performance of excerpts from The Sound of Music, a karaoke night and a town Christmas celebration. Organizers say they hope the project sparks business investment and revitalization in Williamston's downtown.
Goshen, VA
AARP Community Challenge Grant Year: 2026
Project Category: Public space activation
Description: The lawn next to a historic community center will be transformed into an age‑friendly outdoor gathering area. The space will include accessible benches, shade, signage and small features to support gentle activity and social connection.
Jackson, MS
AARP Community Challenge Grant Year: 2018
Project Category: Public space activation
Description: The City of Jackson set out to demonstrate the value of vibrant public spaces. This project was part of larger open streets efforts, which close streets to vehicle traffic residents to gather, walk and play there. First, the City created a parklet on Congress Street in St. Paul's downtown. The temporary mini-park fit in the footprint of an on-street parking space. The City outfitted the space with outdoor furniture, allowing residents to relax and socialize. Organizers say the parklet also drove business to local restaurants, providing outdoor dining space for customers. To gauge residents' reaction to the space, the City conducted a survey during the pop-up. The City has since worked to develop guidelines for parklet creation, allowing local businesses to set up their own outdoor spaces.
Nearby AARP Community Challenge Projects
Belmond, IA
AARP Community Challenge Grant Year: 2026
Project Category: Public space activation
Description: The project will convert a narrow Main Street lot into an accessible pocket park with seating and shade. The space will offer a place to rest, gather and enjoy downtown events.
Forest City, IA
AARP Community Challenge Grant Year: 2026
Project Category: Trails
Description: The project will restore a historic pedestrian bridge to reconnect neighborhoods across the river. Improved access will create safer walking and biking routes, strengthening links within the local trail system.
LEARN MORE AND STAY INFORMED
Find articles and resources about making communities more livable for people of all ages
Download or order free publications from AARP Livable Communities
Sign up for the free, weekly, award-winning AARP Livable Communities eNewsletter
Don't see your community listed?
LEARN HOW IT CAN JOIN THE NETWORKConnect with your AARP State Office
AARP has offices in all 50 states as well as in the District of Columbia, Puerto Rico and the U.S. Virgin Islands.
AARP Iowa State Office
600 E. Court Avenue
Suite 100
Des Moines, IA 50309
United States