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City of Oconomowoc (2017) Print
2017 AARP Community Challenge Grantee
Project Category
Public places
└ Public space activation
└ Public space activation
This alley activation project turned a stark passageway between the lakefront and downtown retail into a livelier pedestrian link. Project organizers added a painted design on the pavement and constructed trellises to provide shade. The City chose not to close the alleyway during the transformation work. Instead, passersby were invited to lend a hand to the rejuvenation process by painting a faux floor tile (or several). This also allowed visitors to ask questions about the transformation happening before their eyes. The project sparked conversations about how to activate the other downtown alleys, each with its own unique look and distinctive experience. And when the City reconstructed its boardwalk, it borrowed the trellis design used in the alleyway. "People now change their routes to experience the walkway," city planner Kristi Weber said. "It gets folks to lift their heads up, look around and enjoy some untraditional and unexpected art."
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Gooding, ID
AARP Community Challenge Grant Year: 2020
Project Category: Public space activation
Description: The Gooding Public Library Foundation converted an unused area of West Park into a community commons. Located near Gooding's library, city hall and police station, the site now features accessible picnic tables, shade canopies and lidded trash cans. The library now uses the site for a variety of activities, including story time and science experiments. Library patrons, workers on lunch break and other community members also gather in the space. The library now plans to install a little free library in the park.
Milton-Freewater, OR
AARP Community Challenge Grant Year: 2020
Project Category: Public space activation
Description: This project temporarily transformed an underused parking lot into a town plaza, dubbed Freewater Square. First, the Milton-Freewater Downtown Alliance made repairs to the pavement and added electric and water access at the site. They then purchased outdoor furniture, shade umbrellas and games. Volunteers also built planters and installed a stage for performances. To beautify the plaza, project organizers also held a mural painting competition. After the transformation, the plaza hosted monthly events, including live music, movie nights, community art projects and game tournaments -- all of which gave residents a safe way to socialize during the COVID-19 pandemic. Small buildings host pop-ups, allowing the site the act as a small business incubator. Eventually, MFDA plans to revert the site to a parking lot. But project organizers say they will use ideas from the plaza activation to permanently convert a nearby vacant lot into a community market and activity center.
Nevada, IA
AARP Community Challenge Grant Year: 2025
Project Category: Public space activation
Description: This project will transform two underutilized downtown areas into accessible gathering spots with handicap seating and shade.
Nearby AARP Community Challenge Projects
West Allis, WI
AARP Community Challenge Grant Year: 2024
Project Category: HomeFit Modifications
Description: Falls are a leading cause of injury among older adults, yet many homes lack basic safety features. To reduce risks, firefighters installed grab bars, raised toilet seats, shower chairs and bed transfer rails during home visits, along with walkers for those with mobility challenges. These changes helped older adults navigate their homes safely and maintain independence. One widow said the modifications gave her confidence to move without fear, adding, "It feels like someone truly cares about me and my safety."
Elkhorn, WI
AARP Community Challenge Grant Year: 2024
Project Category: Public space activation
Description: Elkhorn lacked an outdoor space designed for older adults, leaving many residents with mobility challenges and few options for social connection. The Chamber transformed a vacant downtown lot into an ADA-accessible park with clustered seating, lighting, tables and a water feature. The space quickly hosted major events, including a high school reunion and a holiday festival, and is now reserved for dementia-friendly programs and book clubs. A local business owner who uses a wheelchair said that he was able to fully utilize the space for the first time and that it felt effortless, underscoring its inclusive design and lasting impact.
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