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City of Jackson (2018) Print
2018 AARP Community Challenge Grantee
Project Category
Public places
└ Public space activation
└ Public space activation
The City of Jackson set out to demonstrate the value of vibrant public spaces. This project was part of larger open streets efforts, which close streets to vehicle traffic residents to gather, walk and play there. First, the City created a parklet on Congress Street in St. Paul's downtown. The temporary mini-park fit in the footprint of an on-street parking space. The City outfitted the space with outdoor furniture, allowing residents to relax and socialize. Organizers say the parklet also drove business to local restaurants, providing outdoor dining space for customers. To gauge residents' reaction to the space, the City conducted a survey during the pop-up. The City has since worked to develop guidelines for parklet creation, allowing local businesses to set up their own outdoor spaces.
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See More Projects Like This One
Forest City, NC
AARP Community Challenge Grant Year: 2024
Project Category: Public space activation
Description: Older residents in Grahamtown lacked safe, comfortable outdoor spaces, making it hard to join events or enjoy gardens without worrying about fatigue or sun exposure. The team installed benches, picnic tables and planters at parks, gardens and community spaces. Volunteers also added address plates for safety. These changes gave older adults places to rest and socialize, strengthened community engagement and even prompted the addition of street lighting. Residents say the improvements make them feel valued and included in revitalization efforts.
Project description was created using generative AI and then reviewed for accuracy.
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.
Project description was created using generative AI and then reviewed for accuracy.
Port Orford, OR
AARP Community Challenge Grant Year: 2017
Project Category: Public space activation
Description: To revitalize Port Orford's downtown and make it more walkable, the City installed benches with built-in planters along Main Street. Sites chosen for the new benches included the local food co-op, a quilt shop and a Norwegian restaurant. A construction crew from a nearby correctional facility built four bench-planter combos. High school students made plaques to recognize the inmates for their work and AARP for funding the building supplies. After installation, the local arts council set up the community's traditional holiday crab-pot tree next to one of the benches and added festive decorations to its planter. Project organizers report downtown property owners are thrilled with the improvements and the City plans to continue adding seating to Main Street.
Nearby AARP Community Challenge Projects
Jackson, MS
AARP Community Challenge Grant Year: 2019
Project Category: Engaging residents in vibrant public places
Description: To recast public spaces for people rather than vehicle traffic, the City of Jackson launched an Open Streets initiative. First, the City installed a parklet -- a small park that fits in the footprint of a parking space. "The parklet is just one component of us trying to make Congress Street more pedestrian-friendly. This street was a very automobile-oriented street. It was very traffic heavy. It was very busy," urban designer Travis Crabree said. The City painted a mural onsite. To demarcate the space, project organizers also painted vibrant blue dots along the street, demarking it as a place to gather. Additionally, the City purchased picnic tables and flexible furniture, which it set out in Smith Park. Local organizations -- such as the Parks and Recreation Department -- can now use the furniture for downtown events.
Jackson, MS
AARP Community Challenge Grant Year: 2021
Project Category: Trails
Description: The City of Jackson is working to develop the Museum Trail -- a four-mile, multi-use path designed to improve community health and wellness, connect areas of interest within the community and promote active transportation. Building on this work, the Jackson Heart Foundation improved wayfinding along the corridor by installed railhead and mile markers. Organizers say the signage helps visitors understand where the trail begins and ends and provides them with information about ongoing work to improve the path. Volunteers also created a mural at the trail's entrance. And to promote the trail, project organizers launched a new website and offered branded tote bags for donors.
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