AARP Hearing Center
AARP Livable Communities Map
Commercial Street Community Improvement District (2021) Print
2021 AARP Community Challenge Grantee
Project Category
Public places
└ Public space activation
└ Public space activation
In the 1980s, many businesses moved out of Springfield's downtown. But in recent years, a new generation of entrepreneurs, artists and gig workers have begun repopulating the city's main commercial district. In light of the area's new vibrancy, the Commercial Street Community Improvement District is working to market the area and tell its story. The CID created a series of parklets with outdoor seating to give visitors a space to socialize and relax. They also commissioned a local artist to create a mural, using community feedback to inform the final design. The mural fits within a larger street art project. CID organizers say they hope these improvements will help the community develop a renewed sense of place.
Photo Gallery
Image:
Click on a photo to learn more
See More Projects Like This One
Baltimore, MD
AARP Community Challenge Grant Year: 2020
Project Category: Public space activation
Description: This project helped prepare the ground for Rachael Wilson Memorial Park, named in honor of Maryland's first woman firefighter to be killed in the line of duty. To clear room for park amenities, Bon Secours Community Works removed two sections of concrete foundation, left over from the foundations of abandoned homes that once sat on the site. Project organizers also planted 30 trees. The new greenspace is the result of a grassroots effort by two longtime West Baltimore residents and advocates. Today, the park features new playground equipment and a mural painted by a local artist, which pays tribute to Rachael Wilson.
Chicago, IL
AARP Community Challenge Grant Year: 2019
Project Category: Public space activation
Description: Public plazas are not always grand sometimes they can make a big impact in a tiny space. The Rogers Park Business Alliance and other project organizers purchased a pop-up People Spot from the nearby Chicago neighborhood of Andersonville. The Alliance then deployed the People Spot on Clark Street, with the aim of amping up pedestrian engagement along Rogers Parks' commercial corridor. Also known as a parklet, the mini plaza extends from the sidewalk in what would otherwise be a parking space. Featuring new wood benches and greenery, the parklet offers visitors a pleasant spot to rest or eat lunch. In the future, the Alliance will move the pop-up plaza to different locations throughout the Rogers Park neighborhood.
Bath, ME
AARP Community Challenge Grant Year: 2021
Project Category: Public space activation
Description: Organizers with Age-Friendly Communities of Lower Kennebec and City of Bath hoped to create inclusive public spaces for residents of all ages to enjoy. They worked with students to install outdoor chess and checkers tables at a new downtown plaza and a near a local assisted living facility. The tables are ADA accessible include benches designed for people of all ages and abilities. A spectator bench allows onlookers to take a seat and watch the players. To ensure all community members can play, game sets are available for loan at the local library and nearby businesses.
Nearby AARP Community Challenge Projects
Springfield, MO
AARP Community Challenge Grant Year: 2023
Project Category: Emergency preparedness skills
Description: The project addressed the lack of practical disaster preparedness information for older adults who face frequent storms and often have needs that require specific planning. The grant supported 17 preparedness classes that offered guidance on assembling emergency kits and understanding how medications and mobility devices factor into planning. These sessions helped residents begin building essential supplies and increased awareness of how to prepare for emergencies.
Project description was created using generative AI and then reviewed for accuracy.
Bolivar, MO
AARP Community Challenge Grant Year: 2025
Project Category: Public space activation
Description: The City of Bolivar addressed heat and comfort challenges that made it difficult for older adults and grandparents to spend time near the inclusive playground at the recreation center. Limited shade and seating had discouraged older adults from staying outdoors to watch children play or socialize. The project installed a large shade structure with nearby seating, creating a cooler place for residents to rest, gather and remain engaged without prolonged sun exposure. Located near community gathering places, the improvement supports light activity and informal social time. The shaded area created a permanent, age-friendly gathering space that encourages intergenerational interaction and regular use of the recreation center.
Project description was created using generative AI and then reviewed for accuracy.
LEARN MORE AND STAY INFORMED
Find articles and resources about making communities more livable for people of all ages
Download or order free publications from AARP Livable Communities
Sign up for the free, weekly, award-winning AARP Livable Communities eNewsletter
Don't see your community listed?
LEARN HOW IT CAN JOIN THE NETWORKConnect with your AARP State Office
AARP has offices in all 50 states as well as in the District of Columbia, Puerto Rico and the U.S. Virgin Islands.
AARP Missouri State Office
9200 Ward Parkway
Suite 350
Kansas City, MO 64114
United States