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City of Hinton Historic Landmarks Commission (2017) Print
2017 AARP Community Challenge Grantee
Project Category
Public places
└ Public space activation
└ Public space activation
Hinton's historic district was created in the 1980s, but public interest for the district had waned over the years. To foster community pride and educate residents, the local Historic Landmarks Commission purchased and installed plaques on significant buildings in Hinton's historic district. The plaques provide information about the significance of each location. To further draw people in, the commission established a walking tour, which it promoted online and by printing and distributing brochures. Because tourism is an important local economic driver, so the commission has coordinated with the local visitors center to promote the tour.
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Southport, NC
AARP Community Challenge Grant Year: 2021
Project Category: Public space activation
Description: The stories of those buried in the John N. Smith Cemetery in Southport have never been shared with the broader community. As the only African American cemetery in the region, the John N Smith Cemetery Restoration and Preservation group created an outdoor museum onsite. The museum teaches residents about the racial and economic discrimination that Black members of that community have faced, as well as contributions residents made to the community. Project organizers designed and installed interpretive signage, as well as benches and a display board for public announcements and other information. Designed to be accessible for people of all ages, the space recounts an important part of Southport's history and culture.
Berlin, MD
AARP Community Challenge Grant Year: 2018
Project Category: Public space activation
Description: To give people a place to sit, rest and enjoy a meal, the Town of Berlin purchased tables and seating. The Town sets up the outdoor furniture during events on Main Street. The new amenities also make downtown more accessible, since older adults and people with mobility challenges have a space to rest. Since the improvements, project organizers say residents no longer need to sit on the curb as they eat their lunch.
Bethel, ME
AARP Community Challenge Grant Year: 2021
Project Category: Public space activation
Description: To provide residents with places to sit and gather, the Bethel Age-Friendly Community partnered with local artists and craftspeople to create benches and picnic tables. As a thank-you to organizations that have supported age-friendly work in the region, organizers gave the seating to partner organizations who assist with age-friendly programming, events and volunteer efforts. The benches and tables now sit in each of the six towns that make up the Bethel region. Each table is adorned with a chess board and each bench features decorations that pay homage to the town where it sits, with volunteers chipping in to paint the furniture. Organizers say they hope the project demonstrates the value of simple public space enhancements.
Nearby AARP Community Challenge Projects
Hinton, WV
AARP Community Challenge Grant Year: 2021
Project Category: Park enhancements
Description: Hinton's west side -- home to many older adults and lower-income families -- was without a public greenspace or playground. Summers County Huddle decided to change that, creating the All Aboard Community Park on a parcel of land donated to the City of Hinton. Volunteers installed a gazebo, raised planter beds and playground equipment onsite. To serve people of all ages, the playground structures can double as exercise equipment for adults. Partnering with the City and local organizations, Summers County Huddle pulled together a team of intergenerational volunteers to build and maintain the park. Since the project's completion, many volunteers have continued to brainstorm ways to improve the neighborhood, including repairing sidewalks, installing lights and addressing vacancy.
Ronceverte, WV
AARP Community Challenge Grant Year: 2025
Project Category: Engaging residents in vibrant public places
Description: This project will support the creation of a multigenerational entertainment destination and provide low-impact exercise for residents of all ages.
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