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Avoca, IA
AARP Community Challenge Grant Year: 2018
Project Category: Public space activation
Description: Avoca's Main Street already had green space and places to sit, but Avoca Public Library organizers wanted to give residents a reason to spend time downtown. To invite people in, they installed oversized, weather-proof musical instruments outside the library. Since the instruments don't require any training or talent to play, they are popular with residents of all ages. Part of the town's creative placemaking plans, the new music park is located near the site of Avoca's weekly summer farmer's market. "It's a fun part of the town now," Avoca resident Sunshine Schoeller said.
Viroqua, WI
AARP Community Challenge Grant Year: 2022
Project Category: Public space activation
Description: The McIntosh Memorial Library serves as an accessible, welcoming community gathering space for the community. Library staff hoped to further draw visitors to the library by creating a new aviary in the center of the building. To do this, the library constructed a seating area, as well as a habitat for several songbirds. Organizers say the space serves as a venue for intergenerational story time, as well as a place to read and have conversations. To introduce patrons to the new space, the library hosted a Festival of Birds. In the future, they plan to host educational programming on birding, both at the library and along nearby hiking trails. Community members are already enjoying the aviary -- one older woman was in tears as she watched the songbirds with her son. She told staff the "aviary was one of the most beautiful features of the library."
Readfield, ME
AARP Community Challenge Grant Year: 2018
Project Category: Public space activation
Description: Readfield's Age-Friendly Committee set out to enhance the town's public spaces and draw the community together. They purchased outdoor furniture to activate two spaces -- one outside the local public library and the other at Readfield Beach on Maranacook Lake. The beach's moveable Adirondack chairs give visitors a change to interact with each other. Additionally, the tables and chairs at the library allow residents to access free Wi-Fi service, even when the library building is closed. Library visitors of all wages can also rest there after enjoying the nearby story walk.
Nearby AARP Community Challenge Projects
Kamiah, ID
AARP Community Challenge Grant Year: 2018
Project Category: Public space activation
Description: To create a gathering place for their rural community and provide opportunities for social connection, the Carrot Ridge Volunteer Fire District equipped its red-sided, barn-like building with tables, chairs and small appliances. They then hosted a dinner to thank the many volunteers who donated time, land, building supplies and more to build the center during its construction. Since then, the center has hosted chili cook-offs, a community Thanksgiving event and barbeques for hundreds of residents.
Lapwai, ID
AARP Community Challenge Grant Year: 2023
Project Category: Public spaces improvements to increase high-speed internet availability
Description: Residents in Lapwai lacked accessible spaces for technology use and health resources, forcing older adults to travel long distances for care and leaving few options for social connection. The library responded by installing a covered bus stop and ADA-compliant outdoor seating with 24/7 Wi-Fi. It also upgraded indoor areas with adaptive furniture and charging stations. A telehealth pod with health monitoring tools and digital signage was added to improve access. These changes sparked new programs like adult craft nights and created inclusive spaces for learning, care and community engagement.
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