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Palmer Township, PA

AARP Community Challenge Grant Year: 2023

Project Category: Public space activation

Description: Palmer Township lacked an inclusive outdoor space for cultural learning and community connection. Paza partnered with the township to create a Unity Garden featuring a Native American-inspired sculpture, medicinal plants and pollinators. A wheelchair-accessible path and benches were added, and the site was dedicated with a ceremonial blessing. The garden is now a permanent feature maintained by the library for ongoing programs. "I am proud of the change that Paza has ignited," said a local leader after the township recognized Indigenous Peoples Day, signaling lasting cultural impact.

Arthurdale, WV

AARP Community Challenge Grant Year: 2024

Project Category: Public space activation

Description: On Arthurdale's historic 23-acre campus, uneven sidewalks and a lack of outdoor amenities made visits difficult for older adults and others seeking safe, accessible spaces. The project replaced a hazardous 75-foot sidewalk and added benches, trash bins, a dog waste station and a bike rack. New landscaping to beautify the grounds was also created. These improvements have made the site safer and more inviting, encouraging residents to use it for recreation and events. Community feedback has been overwhelmingly positive, and plans are underway for expanded sidewalks and new programs for older adults.

Saint Peter, MN

AARP Community Challenge Grant Year: 2023

Project Category: Public space activation

Description: A long-vacant downtown lot in Saint Peter was transformed into a vibrant plaza after decades of inactivity. Volunteers painted a 70-by-70-foot mural, built benches, picnic tables and added lighting and signage to create a welcoming space for gatherings. Events such as live music, art fairs and literary readings introduced residents to placemaking and sparked conversations about revitalization. "Watching people look around with fresh eyes... was magic," said an organizer, noting the plaza has become the only true downtown gathering spot and a catalyst for future projects.

Nearby AARP Community Challenge Projects

Gulfport, MS

AARP Community Challenge Grant Year: 2017

Project Category: Public place improvements to withstand extreme weather events

Description: After Hurricane Katrina nearly leveled the Bayou View West neighborhood in 2005, the Federal Emergency Management Agency bought out the remaining residents and handed the property over to the city. Today, the 40-acre tract is known as Brickyard Bayou Park. This project created the city's first dog park at the site. Known as the Bark Park, it attracted more than 200 people and dogs on its opening day in 2017. the space acts as a buffer -- if the area floods again, homes won't be at risk. And once the park dries out, people and pups can return. Since the Bark Park's creation, the City of Gulfport has added a kayak launch, a disc golf course, a nature trail and an outdoor classroom to Brickyard Bayou Park.

Gulfport, MS

AARP Community Challenge Grant Year: 2019

Project Category: Public space improvements to support recovery after extreme weather events

Description: As part of revitalization efforts following flooding from Hurricane Katrina, the City of Gulfport set out to give cyclists and pedestrians a place to shelter from the weather and sun. They installed a 20-square-foot safe-weather pavilion and benches along a new bike trail in Brickyard Bayou Park. The trail connects park visitors to amenities, including an outdoor classroom, dog park and community garden. Organizers report the pavilion project has since inspired other similar structures and trails in Gulfport.

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