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Destination Downtown South Boston Inc. (2024) Print
2024 AARP Community Challenge Grantee
Project Category
Public places
└ Public space activation
└ Public space activation
A neglected alley linking Main Street to the farmers market posed safety risks and lacked seating, limiting access for older adults. The project transformed it into a welcoming connector by grading the surface, adding ADA-compliant benches and constructing a ramp and steps for accessibility. Local artisans fabricated custom metal benches, and lighting and art installations are planned to enhance the space. The improved alley now offers a safe, social area for gatherings and easier market access. Older adults expressed excitement about having a place to sit and participate in activities, calling it "a great addition to downtown".
Project description was created using generative AI and then reviewed for accuracy.
Project description was created using generative AI and then reviewed for accuracy.
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Seymour, IN
AARP Community Challenge Grant Year: 2022
Project Category: Public space activation
Description: In a neighborhood where many older adults face food insecurity and health risks, pantry visitors often waited outside for hours without shelter, sometimes leading to medical emergencies. The project installed a permanent awning to provide protection and dignity, added a mural to brighten the space and foster pride and distributed Spanish-language outreach cards to connect residents with services. These changes made waiting safer and encouraged more people to seek help. "On really busy days, if it were raining, we wouldn't even attend... now we feel comfortable," said one couple.
Project description was created using generative AI and then reviewed for accuracy.
Schenectady, NY
AARP Community Challenge Grant Year: 2022
Project Category: Public space activation
Description: A vacant lot connected two busy streets in Schenectady's Stockade District -- an area that also lacked places to sit. To take advantage of the space, the Downtown Schenectady Improvement Corporation activated it, dubbing the improved space Jay Square. They installed ADA-accessible benches and tables, flower boxes, overhead lighting and trash cans. New murals onsite act as "selfie stations," giving passersby the opportunity to snap a photo. To help visitors navigate to local landmarks, they also added wayfinding signage. Organizers say Jay Square demonstrated the importance of providing public space for the community. Today, the space hosts community events and local leaders are looking to replicate the activation in other parts of Schenectady.
Elkhorn, WI
AARP Community Challenge Grant Year: 2024
Project Category: Public space activation
Description: Elkhorn lacked an outdoor space designed for older adults, leaving many residents with mobility challenges and few options for social connection. The Chamber transformed a vacant downtown lot into an ADA-accessible park with clustered seating, lighting, tables and a water feature. The space quickly hosted major events, including a high school reunion and a holiday festival, and is now reserved for dementia-friendly programs and book clubs. A local business owner who uses a wheelchair said that he was able to fully utilize the space for the first time and that it felt effortless, underscoring its inclusive design and lasting impact.
Project description was created using generative AI and then reviewed for accuracy.
Nearby AARP Community Challenge Projects
Boydton, VA
AARP Community Challenge Grant Year: 2023
Project Category: Walkability
Description: Boydton's Tobacco Heritage Trail was seen as unsafe and underused, discouraging walkers, especially older adults. The group conducted walk audits, cleared overgrowth, added wayfinding signs and benches and introduced What3Words for safety. Community hikes and storytelling sessions featuring tobacco heritage helped activate the trail and build engagement. "Adding storytelling changed everything," said an organizer, noting the effort turned skepticism into enthusiasm and prompted infrastructure upgrades that make the trail more inviting for all ages.
Project description was created using generative AI and then reviewed for accuracy.
Lynchburg, VA
AARP Community Challenge Grant Year: 2025
Project Category: Public space activation
Description: Residents wanted to use the Dunbar Community Schoolyard for walking and gathering, but unclear access and a lack of signage made the large campus feel uncertain and underused. The City of Lynchburg installed a pedestrian wayfinding system at key entrances, using clear, large-format signs to welcome public use and guide people through the space. The project helped residents understand how the schoolyard could be used outside school hours. Older adults shared memories tied to the campus and expressed renewed optimism about its future. The wayfinding system strengthened coordination among city staff, schools and residents and marked an early step toward broader improvements that support regular use of the space.
Project description was created using generative AI and then reviewed for accuracy.
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