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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.
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See More Projects Like This One
Somerville, NJ
AARP Community Challenge Grant Year: 2018
Project Category: Public space activation
Description: This project paired local youth with graduate students to evaluate walkability and bikeability in Somerset. Youth ambassadors engaged with members of their community to identify barriers to walking and biking, as well as opportunities to make active transportation safer and more comfortable. Based on their findings, the students decided to construct a parklet in Somerville's Bound Brook neighborhood. The mini-park -- which sits in the footprint of a parking spot -- extends the sidewalk space into the roadway. The parklet is modular, allowing the student ambassadors to set it up at community events, including weekly farmers market and movie nights. Organizers hope the temporary space offers residents an attractive place to stop, sit and to rest while taking in activities on the street. Youth who participated in the project worked alongside local leaders and made intergenerational connections -- all while learning how to advocate for their community.
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."
Greeley, IA
AARP Community Challenge Grant Year: 2022
Project Category: Public space activation
Description: Greeley lacked a downtown corridor and gathering spaces, leaving residents without a sense of place. The project installed decorative light poles along State Highway 38, creating a focal point and sparking community pride. The grant also prompted events like a car cruise and soup supper, which had not occurred in years, and helped raise funds for future improvements. One volunteer said, "I think it's great for our small town and it's a great starting point for more good things to come." Plans include adding more light poles and playground equipment to continue revitalization.
Project description was created using generative AI and then reviewed for accuracy.
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.
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