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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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Middleburgh, NY
AARP Community Challenge Grant Year: 2017
Project Category: Public space activation
Description: To make its parks and business district more accessible to a wide range of people, the Village of Middleburgh installed six benches and two multi-use tables. Village staff report those benches and tables proved useful during the COVID-19 pandemic when they provided older adults with a place for safe, outdoor activities. The project also attracted additional private and nonprofit donations for future improvements in Middleburgh and inspired plans for other accessibility projects, such as adding a wheelchair lift to the village hall.
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.
Grand Forks, ND
AARP Community Challenge Grant Year: 2021
Project Category: Public space activation
Description: As part of its mission to connect the community, the Grand Forks Public Library created an intergenerational music playground on its grounds. A group of older adult volunteers helped select all-weather musical instruments and installed them on a concrete slab. Since the installation, the project has brought adults and children together, demonstrating the value of activating underused public spaces. Additionally, the playground has strengthened the library's relationship with a nearby senior housing community. Project organizers say the musical instruments offer psychological and health benefits for older adults, such as reduced stress, improved mood and greater cognitive skills.
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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