AARP Hearing Center
AARP Livable Communities Map
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.
Photo Gallery
Image:
Click on a photo to learn more
See More Projects Like This One
Chickasha, OK
AARP Community Challenge Grant Year: 2021
Project Category: Public space activation
Description: As part of wider efforts to revitalize Chickasha's downtown, the Chickasha Economic Development Council made several streetscape improvements. To increase foot traffic to local businesses, volunteers decorated crosswalks with pavement art and created a mural. They also installed benches and bike tracks. The branding effort is meant to redefine the town's commercial district and connect it with the surrounding neighborhoods. Project organizers hope to build on the improvements in the future, adding additional public art and pedestrian infrastructure.
Central Falls, RI
AARP Community Challenge Grant Year: 2024
Project Category: Public space activation
Description: Older adults in Central Falls lacked safe, weather-protected spaces for year-round socialization, leaving gatherings vulnerable to rain and cold. Progreso Latino installed and weatherized four pavilions with lighting, heating and retractable curtains, creating multi-use spaces for exercise and cultural events. The improvements allow older adults to gather safely in all seasons and are expected to support community activities for 15 years or more. At the ribbon-cutting, one participant said the celebration was "a testament to the power of culture, community and shared traditions under the shelter of a new gathering place."
Project description was created using generative AI and then reviewed for accuracy.
Central Falls, RI
AARP Community Challenge Grant Year: 2022
Project Category: Public space activation
Description: Central Falls has little green space and faces heat and health challenges, leaving older adults without safe outdoor areas. The project revitalized Phillips Street Park with raised garden beds, a paved patio, shade structure and seating, including chess tables and benches. A musical play feature was added for children, creating a multigenerational space for gardening, learning and socializing. One 50-plus neighbor said that she thought this park and the project itself was exactly what Central Falls needed, reflecting strong community support.
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.
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 South Carolina State Office
1201 Main Street
Suite 1720
Columbia, SC 29201
United States