See More Projects Like This One

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.

McAlester, OK

AARP Community Challenge Grant Year: 2019

Project Category: Public space activation

Description: 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.

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.

Nearby AARP Community Challenge Projects

Morrilton, AR

AARP Community Challenge Grant Year: 2022

Project Category: Public space activation

Description: This project created an outdoor therapy space, designed to be accessible to people of all ages and abilities. Volunteers poured a concrete slab to serve as a play surface. They also added benches and picnic tables onsite.

Conway, AR

AARP Community Challenge Grant Year: 2018

Project Category: Bikeability

Description: Riding a bicycle into downtown Conway once involved a search for bike racks, which were in short supply. To fix this, Conway Downtown Partnership created a bike corral. Volunteers painted a brightly colored mural on the pavement to define the corral space, which features a bike rack. The corral supplies a safe, convenient place to park a bicycle and gives cyclists a place to gather and socialize before and after rides.

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