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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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Project Category: Public space activation
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AARP Community Challenge Grant Year: 2022
Project Category: Public space activation
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Newnan, GA
AARP Community Challenge Grant Year: 2019
Project Category: Public space activation
Description: This project set out to activate a neglected alleyway, which they christened Carnegie-Thompson Alley. The space connects to a planned trail system spanning downtown Newnan. To allow residents to gather in the space, project organizers purchased seating and lighting. Public art installations are planned for the site, as well as repaving to ensure accessibility.
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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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