AARP Hearing Center
AARP Livable Communities Map
Cornerstone West Community Development Corporation (2020) Print
2020 AARP Community Challenge Grantee
Project Category
Public places
└ Public art installations
└ Public art installations
During the planning stages for a mural at the 4th Rodney Park, Pastor Lottie Lee-Davis -- a community leader and the project's main partner -- was killed in a car crash. The original goal for the mural was to depict positive imagery for neighborhood children to look up to as they played. After Pastor Lottie's death, organizers used the mural to honor the woman who was a beloved leader and advocate for the 4th Street corridor's residents. Local artists Crae Washington and JaQuanne LeRoy Daniels made Lee-Davis the central figure in the mural, surrounding her with bold colors and words representing career aspirations of the area's children and teens. Since the mural's installation other improvements have come to the park, including new greenery and a bike repair station. Cornerstone West has also worked to implement public art and beautification projects at other nearby parks, including Judy Johnson Park, Cool Spring Park and Tilton Park.
Photo Gallery
Image:
Click on a photo to learn more
See More Projects Like This One
Los Angeles, CA
AARP Community Challenge Grant Year: 2019
Project Category: Public art installations
Description: The Thai Community Development Center sought to beautify Thailand Plaza, a commercial center along Hollywood Boulevard in Thai Town. The more than 1,000 square feet of metal garage doors making up the plaza's faade were a target for graffiti. To solve this, the Center commissioned two artists to replace the tags with vibrant murals illustrating Thai culture. They also repainted the gates of the nearby Brahmin Shrine in deep black and gold. By doing this, project organizers hope to deter future vandalism in the area, inspire a sense of community and draw new visitors to Thai Town. Locals hailed the project during a celebration marking the district's 20th anniversary.
Camden, AL
AARP Community Challenge Grant Year: 2019
Project Category: Public art installations
Description: To replace dilapidated seating options in Camden's historic downtown, Black Belt Treasures Cultural Arts Center organized the Sharing Our Stories One Bench at a Time project. The effort involved purchasing, decorating and installing 11 mosaic benches around the Wilcox County Courthouse. Led by local mosaic artist Linda Munoz, residents aged 4 to 80 shared their stories, came up with themes and designs and cut and laid colorful glass onto concrete seats. The benches -- which feature imagery related to life in Camden -- represent more than just a beautiful place to sit. Project organizers say the new benches brought the community together and strengthened Camden's sense of civic pride.
Middlebury, VT
AARP Community Challenge Grant Year: 2021
Project Category: Public art installations
Description: To make Middlebury's downtown more vibrant, Find Your Wings launched a public art initiative to increase community engagement. The organization engaged local artists who worked with residents to create eight sets of wings. To include as many community members as possible, they distributed art kits to homebound residents, schools and senior living facilities, who sent their creations back to the artists. Each set of wings is unique -- one consists of painted plywood feathers, another parrots a monarch butterfly's wings, while a third turns random household objects into musical instruments for passersby to strike. Installed throughout downtown, the installations invite pedestrians to pose and snap selfies. Project organizers say the placemaking effort is meant to foster a sense of belonging and boost the local economy.
Nearby AARP Community Challenge Projects
Wilmington, DE
AARP Community Challenge Grant Year: 2023
Project Category: Engaging people in transportation options/safety
Description: Wilmington residents face high rates of inactivity and chronic health issues, worsened by unsafe streets and limited bike infrastructure. In neighborhoods where many households lack cars, poor walkability restricts mobility and access to essentials. Through Open Streets Wilmington, roads were closed to traffic for events promoting active recreation and healthy living. Pop-up demonstrations showcased safer street designs, including a protected bike lane and improved parking on Baynard Boulevard. These efforts led to permanent changes that enhanced bike safety and pedestrian access. "Open Streets turns streets into neighborhoods and residents into neighbors," said one participant.
New Castle County, DE
AARP Community Challenge Grant Year: 2020
Project Category: Addressing community health
Description: As soon as the COVID-19 pandemic hit, staff at the Latin American Community Center knew they needed to begin outreach efforts to ensure that New Castle's Latino communities received information about staying safe. "Most of our community are essential workers, so it has affected us greatly," said Alicia Dominguez, community engagement coordinator for the ConneXiones initiative. "We have clients who are positive in COVID and aren't able to work." The Center conducted a community assessment and developed an action plan. They then held pop-up testing sites and vaccination events, which reached many residents. In addition, LACC supported programs to connect residents to food assistance and rent or mortgage relief.
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 Delaware State Office
222 Delaware Avenue
Suite 1630
Wilmington, DE 19801
United States