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City of Columbia (2020) Print
2020 AARP Community Challenge Grantee
Project Category
Public places
└ Public space activation
└ Public space activation
As part of efforts to activate space and increase the vitality of Columbia's downtown, this project created the city's first parklet. Parklets transform on-street parking spaces into public gathering spaces. Originally intended to be temporary, Columbia's miniature park consists of a ground-level, fenced-in deck featuring an art installation, a cafe table and chairs and new planters. While several nearby restaurants lack outdoor seating space, the parklet remedied this, giving visitors a space to eat and socialize. To gather public feedback about the new space, city staff displayed a QR code onsite, which linked to an online survey. Spurred by the success of this project, organizers made plans to add more parklets downtown. City staff have also looked into creating a parklet ordinance, which would allow local businesses to create similar spaces in the future.
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See More Projects Like This One
Fort Lauderdale, FL
AARP Community Challenge Grant Year: 2022
Project Category: Public space activation
Description: Victoria Park's historic shopping plaza lacked shaded outdoor spaces and struggled after the pandemic, limiting mobility and social engagement. The project installed a colorful shade structure called "Stitch" and hosted cultural events to draw residents and visitors. These gatherings boosted foot traffic, supported local businesses and connected social services with unhoused individuals. One outreach leader said the effort helped move people into housing and "created proactive programs to decrease incidents."
Project description was created using generative AI and then reviewed for accuracy.
Crenshaw, MS
AARP Community Challenge Grant Year: 2026
Project Category: Public space activation
Description: The town will create a new park and install welcome signs at key entrances. Residents age 50-plus will help plant flowers, helping create a more welcoming community space for residents to gather and enjoy outdoor activity.
Christiansted, VI
AARP Community Challenge Grant Year: 2025
Project Category: Public space activation
Description: Christiansted has few accessible green spaces where older adults can gather, garden and support healthy aging. Mobility barriers and limited transit options have made it harder for residents to reach outdoor places that offer shade, seating and social connection. St. Croix Foundation advanced planning for an intergenerational community garden and wellness space at Sunday Market Square through a community-led design process. Older adults and nearby residents shaped accessibility, planting choices and safety features through focus groups and public engagement. The work produced a preliminary design and secured historic approvals, positioning the project for installation. As one participant noted, visible follow-through showed that feedback was reflected in the plans and "builds trust, speaks volumes." By centering older adults early, the project accelerated a long-standing vision for a green space that can expand access and intergenerational activity.
Project description was created using generative AI and then reviewed for accuracy.
Nearby AARP Community Challenge Projects
Richland County, SC
AARP Community Challenge Grant Year: 2021
Project Category: Engaging residents alongside thought leaders in problem solving
Description: To help facilitate community conversations around race, bias, inclusivity and equality, the Richland Library created a curriculum for community groups, nonprofits and businesses. To launch the Let's Talk Race program, library staff brought in a consultant to develop training materials, as well as videos and web content. All materials are available to the community for free. Additionally, organizers wanted to enable other communities to replicate the work, so they built an open-source digital toolkit. Organizers hope the curriculum creates a safe space for important -- but often difficult -- community discussions.
Columbia, SC
AARP Community Challenge Grant Year: 2022
Project Category: Lifelong housing and accessibility
Description: Older adults experiencing homelessness in Columbia face long waits for housing and growing health needs. Transitions is converting a new property into ADA-accessible apartments and an Adult Day Care center with wider bathrooms, lift assistance and specialized equipment. These upgrades will provide safe housing and care for medically fragile residents, reducing reliance on nursing homes. "I am so happy and excited about the work performed," shared one client, highlighting the importance of supportive spaces.
Project description was created using generative AI and then reviewed for accuracy.
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