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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
Welsh, LA
AARP Community Challenge Grant Year: 2026
Project Category: Public space activation
Description: An open air pavilion with seating and lighting will be built in the park near City Hall. The structure will support year round gatherings, light activity and a comfortable place for neighbors to meet and connect.
Ralston, NE
AARP Community Challenge Grant Year: 2026
Project Category: Public space activation
Description: Accessible terraces and new benches will be added near a busy intersection and Memorial Plaza. The seating areas will make it easier for people with mobility needs to attend events and gather comfortably while honoring service members.
Shepherdstown, WV
AARP Community Challenge Grant Year: 2026
Project Category: Public space activation
Description: The town will pilot a temporary, car-free downtown plaza featuring movable seating, shade and planters. The project will test how a pedestrian-only space can support rest, events and social connection for residents of all ages.
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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