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City of Farmington with Downtown Farmington (2019) Print
2019 AARP Community Challenge Grantee
Project Category
Public places
└ Public space activation
└ Public space activation
This project activated a breezeway in downtown Farmington. The city-owned space was long unused -- it sits in the footprint of a building that burned to the ground in 1914. But since it conveniently connects a parking lot to the town's Main Street, project organizers saw its potential as a convenient passthrough and gathering space. By installing solar-powered string lights, setting out seating and tables and creating a mural on an adjacent building, the City created a pocket park. The city plans to continue to add to the space, creating more seating out of wood from a beloved blue spruce that died and installing raised planter beds. Organizers say they also envision bringing community activities to the pocket park.
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See More Projects Like This One
Caldwell, ID
AARP Community Challenge Grant Year: 2018
Project Category: Public space activation
Description: Organizers with Destination Caldwell think of Indian Creek Plaza like the front porch on a farmhouse -- a place for sitting and chatting with neighbors. The nonprofit hoped to activate the space with interactive outdoor games. They engaged residents to decoupage vintage photographs onto cornhole boards and piece together glass-mosaic tabletop gameboards for chess, checkers and backgammon. This project is part of larger efforts to bring public art to the plaza. Today, the game tables are available throughout the year.
Martin, SD
AARP Community Challenge Grant Year: 2021
Project Category: Public space activation
Description: A pocket park and community garden in Martin had fallen into disrepair, but organizers with South Dakota State University Extension hoped to breathe new life into the space. They engaged volunteers to paint the Hope Garden's pergola and remove broken picnic tables, replacing them with new, accessible tables. Additionally, they repaired the garden's drip irrigation system, installed a trash can and added a portable handwashing station. A local artist also painted a mural onsite and new solar lights make the mini-park feel safter at night. Project organizers say the Hope Garden will offer a space for community events and educational offerings. They say improvements to the site helped make the space more sustainable and welcoming to community members.
Hillsborough, NH
AARP Community Challenge Grant Year: 2022
Project Category: Public space activation
Description: This project installed a covered bench, community bulletin board and flower planters in the downtown area.
Nearby AARP Community Challenge Projects
Farmington, NM
AARP Community Challenge Grant Year: 2023
Project Category: Public art installations
Description: The Art in the Alley project will cover the exterior walls of several downtown businesses with murals and historic images, creating a pedestrian walkway.
Aztec, NM
AARP Community Challenge Grant Year: 2024
Project Category: Community Gardens
Description: This project will create a flower and vegetable garden with raised planting beds. Located at a restored historic building, the space will also include seating for community events.
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