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Frederiksted, VI

AARP Community Challenge Grant Year: 2021

Project Category: Public art installations

Description: To highlight the culture, history and traditions of the island of St. Croix, the VI Council on the Arts created a new mural. A local artist blocked out the artwork's design, then project organizers engaged volunteers -- including retired community members and people with disabilities -- to help paint. Installed in a busy area frequented by local fishermen, the mural depicts fish and coral native to the Virgin Islands. In the future, the Council plans to work with the community to create more murals.

Jacksonville, FL

AARP Community Challenge Grant Year: 2024

Project Category: Public art installations

Description: This project will install lit gateway markers throughout the Cathedral Hill neighborhood to enhance safety and wayfinding. The markers will also support gathering spaces within the community.

Pikeville, TN

AARP Community Challenge Grant Year: 2024

Project Category: Public art installations

Description: The city will pay tribute to local Native history by creating a mural honoring those who traveled the Trail of Tears. The mural -- which will sit along Pikeville's Main Street, will depict the arduous journey endured by tribal members during their forced relocation.

Nearby AARP Community Challenge Projects

Metuchen, NJ

AARP Community Challenge Grant Year: 2020

Project Category: Public space activation

Description: Businesses in Metuchen's downtown struggled during pandemic-related shutdowns in 2020. To help with their recovery and resilience, the Metuchen Downtown Alliance made investments in public outdoor spaces, turning a block of New Street into a pedestrian oriented New Streetery. After the Borough Council voted to ease zoning requirements, the Alliance converted street parking spaces into parklets. This created outdoor space for businesses -- including restaurants, shops and fitness studios -- to operate safely. To accommodate diners, the Downtown Alliance purchased over 100 tables with chairs, as well as infrared heaters and lighting. In the summer months, New Street closed to vehicle traffic on weekends, with partial street closures continuing into the winter. Project organizers say that although COVID-19 has since waned, walkability and outdoor dining remain part of Metuchen's downtown culture.

Metuchen, NJ

AARP Community Challenge Grant Year: 2022

Project Category: Public space activation

Description: To create a gathering spot near the city's center for older adults, this project transformed two downtown parking spaces into a parklet with planters, seating and a table decorated with a mosaic.

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