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City of McAlester (2019) Print
2019 AARP Community Challenge Grantee
Project Category
Public places
└ Public space activation
└ Public space activation
By activating an underutilized parking lot, the City of McAlester gave residents access to green space in the heart of its historic downtown. Before opening the new park, the City prepared the site, clearing concrete, replacing soil and resolving stormwater drainage issues. Dubbed Arvest Park, amenities there include accessible sidewalks, food truck hookups, bike posts, tables with seating and a water fountain. Project organizers say the park filled a need for gathering space within a commercial area and helps support local businesses. The site often accommodates pop-up business and locals use the green space to gather for lunch and meet up for shopping or errands.
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Orleans Parish, LA
AARP Community Challenge Grant Year: 2020
Project Category: Public space activation
Description: This project set out to improve New Orleans' St. Roch neighborhood by replacing an underused area with green spacce. Organizers hoped to provide a spot for people of all ages to socialize outdoors and care for a green space. In addition to giving the community a safe place to gather, the space is meant to give residents access to fruit and nut trees.
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.
Beaver Dam, WI
AARP Community Challenge Grant Year: 2019
Project Category: Public space activation
Description: The City of Beaver Dam wanted to showcase its downtown Mural Walking Tour. To do this, they added benches along the route, allowing visitors to rest and interact with each other. The walking tour showcases 17 historical murals depicting 19th century business operations and notable Beaver Dam residents, including World War II glider pilot Harold Rief and science fiction author Raymond Z. Gallon. The City installed one six-foot-long, accessible bench near each mural on the walk. Additionally, they distributed mural tour maps to businesses and offices downtown. Project organizers report the seating has contributed to more pedestrian activity in the area. They also say the new benches have inspired private donations to purchase seating for other parts of downtown.
Nearby AARP Community Challenge Projects
McAlester, OK
AARP Community Challenge Grant Year: 2022
Project Category: Park enhancements
Description: Local pickleball enthusiasts helped convert a tennis court at William P. Mullen Park into two pickleball courts. Pickleball, which includes elements of tennis and ping-pong, is popular with older adult players.
Eufaula, OK
AARP Community Challenge Grant Year: 2021
Project Category: Public space activation
Description: The City of Eufaula hoped to draw people to local businesses by increasing foot traffic on Main Street. To do this, the City created a music trail downtown. They installed 11 pairs of outdoor percussion instruments -- including xylophones and drums -- along a half-mile pathway, which winds past community landmarks. Additionally, project organizers displayed a map to inform passersby of the location of each instrument. The project is part of larger efforts to recover after the COVID-19 pandemic, which increased social isolation among residents and left local businesses -- including many owned by Native community members -- struggling to stay afloat.
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