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Destination Caldwell (2018) Print
2018 AARP Community Challenge Grantee
Project Category
Public places
└ Public space activation
└ Public space activation
Organizers with Destination Caldwell think of Indian Creek Plaza like the front porch on a farmhouse -- a place for sitting and chatting with neighbors. The nonprofit hoped to activate the space with interactive outdoor games. They engaged residents to decoupage vintage photographs onto cornhole boards and piece together glass-mosaic tabletop gameboards for chess, checkers and backgammon. This project is part of larger efforts to bring public art to the plaza. Today, the game tables are available throughout the year.
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La Crosse, WI
AARP Community Challenge Grant Year: 2018
Project Category: Public space activation
Description: La Crosse's food forest produces fruit and vegetables for the community, helps absorb stormwater runoff and serves as a communal gathering place. The forest, however, did not have seating along its many paths. To beautify the forest and give visitors a place to rest, the La Crosse Area Family YMCA created artistic benches. Younger people worked with older adult mentors to design, assemble and decorate each bench. Many pay homage to the forest, featuring images of plants and vegetables. Project organizers say the public art effort fostered intergenerational cohesion, and residents consider the new benches to be source of community pride.
Hinton, WV
AARP Community Challenge Grant Year: 2017
Project Category: Public space activation
Description: Hinton's historic district was created in the 1980s, but public interest for the district had waned over the years. To foster community pride and educate residents, the local Historic Landmarks Commission purchased and installed plaques on significant buildings in Hinton's historic district. The plaques provide information about the significance of each location. To further draw people in, the commission established a walking tour, which it promoted online and by printing and distributing brochures. Because tourism is an important local economic driver, so the commission has coordinated with the local visitors center to promote the tour.
Beaver Dam, WI
AARP Community Challenge Grant Year: 2019
Project Category: Public space activation
Description: The City of Beaver Dam wanted to showcase its downtown Mural Walking Tour. To do this, they added benches along the route, allowing visitors to rest and interact with each other. The walking tour showcases 17 historical murals depicting 19th century business operations and notable Beaver Dam residents, including World War II glider pilot Harold Rief and science fiction author Raymond Z. Gallon. The City installed one six-foot-long, accessible bench near each mural on the walk. Additionally, they distributed mural tour maps to businesses and offices downtown. Project organizers report the seating has contributed to more pedestrian activity in the area. They also say the new benches have inspired private donations to purchase seating for other parts of downtown.
Nearby AARP Community Challenge Projects
Nampa, ID
AARP Community Challenge Grant Year: 2025
Project Category: Engaging residents in vibrant public places
Description: The Idaho Hispanic Community Center had outdated audio and visual equipment that made it hard for older adults and other attendees to hear speakers and stay engaged during classes, events and community meetings. The center upgraded its sound system with new speakers. They added wireless and lapel microphones, a projector and two televisions that improved clarity for large and small gatherings. A community celebration helped demonstrate the improvements and brought residents together to learn about the changes. The upgrades immediately improved access to meetings, classes and cultural activities and are expected to serve the community for years. A longtime Nampa resident who grew up attending events at the center shared excitement about the improvements, noting how much they will benefit people who rely on the space.
Project description was created using generative AI and then reviewed for accuracy.
Nampa, ID
AARP Community Challenge Grant Year: 2024
Project Category: Lifelong housing and accessibility
Description: Golden Glow Tower, Nampa's last affordable housing option for low-income older adults, faced critical infrastructure issues that threatened safe, accessible living. LEAP installed heating and cooling units in high-traffic community spaces, creating comfortable areas for residents to gather year-round. The upgrades encourage social interaction beyond apartments, reducing isolation and strengthening community ties. "We've already seen residents mingle longer after coffee hour," staff noted. LEAP plans to maintain these improvements and raise funds for further renovations, ensuring long-term affordability and accessibility for vulnerable people.
Project description was created using generative AI and then reviewed for accuracy.
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