Potlatch, ID

AARP Community Challenge Grant Year: 2021

Project Category: Public space activation

Description: In 1906, the Washington, Idaho and Montana Railway built the Potlatch Depot, which served as a warehouse to store excess freight and baggage. The Washington, Idaho and Montana Railway History Preservation Group hoped to offer visitors rides on speeders and rail cycles -- small vehicles that travel along the tracks, which railroad employees once used to inspect tracks and reach trains needing repairs. To do this, the group needed to expand into the depot's annex. They worked to renovate the building, stabilizing its foundation, replacing siding and removing interior walls and floor lumber. Project organizers hope the speeder rides will attract the public to the depot's museum and increase a sense of community pride.

Wilmington, DE

AARP Community Challenge Grant Year: 2019

Project Category: Public space activation

Description: 1225 D Street was an abandoned lot overrun with weeds, errant trees and debris. Y Innovations planned to create a green space and community garden there, but first the area had to be cleared. Organizers began by removing garbage that had been dumped in the spot, as well as dead tree limbs, many feet of dilapidated fencing and three vacant sheds. The organization then added new fencing, making the space ready for the next phase of the project.

Perryville, MO

AARP Community Challenge Grant Year: 2025

Project Category: Public space activation

Description: Downtown Perryville Advancement addressed a basic but persistent barrier to walkability: the lack of clear, non-digital wayfinding in the downtown core. For older adults who prefer physical maps or have limited access to smartphones, finding shops, restaurants and everyday services could be frustrating and discouraging. The project installed a permanent wayfinding sign at a key pedestrian intersection, clearly marking directions to downtown destinations and allowing people to orient themselves at a glance. Community members noted they discovered businesses and attractions they had not realized were nearby. The sign now supports easier navigation, greater confidence and a willingness to park once and walk, reinforcing downtown as a place older adults can move through independently and comfortably.

Project description was created using generative AI and then reviewed for accuracy.