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Downtown Lynchburg Association (2021) Print
2021 AARP Community Challenge Grantee
Project Category
Public places
└ Public space activation
└ Public space activation
To organizers with the Downtown Lynchburg Association, an underused, dead-end street had potential to draw visitors downtown. The Association transformed the space into Art Alley -- a vibrant, outdoor art gallery. To activate the space, volunteers covered the pavement in turquoise, orange, pink and green paint. They also set up string lights overhead to provide illumination. Finally, they created the Spark Joy Gallery by installing panels that display digital artworks. Project organizers say the placemaking effort has since inspired nearby property owners to spruce up their building facades, and the Art Alley has become a must-see for tourists passing through town.
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See More Projects Like This One
San Jose, CA
AARP Community Challenge Grant Year: 2021
Project Category: Public space activation
Description: The COVID-19 pandemic severely impacted the local economy in San Jose's Washington neighborhood. To help meet the community's needs, Veggielution hosted free arts and environmental education programming. The local nonprofit, which aims to connect people through food and farming, invited people to the SoFa pocket park, which the organization created on the site of an underused parking lot. Events included a monthly garden art workshop and live musical and theater performances by local arts organizations. Additionally, Veggielution worked with a local arts school to create a mural for the pocket park. The activities helped link residents to resources, such as food assistance and entrepreneurship training, and connected local nonprofit organizations to each other, creating a better web of support for the community.
Clyde, KS
AARP Community Challenge Grant Year: 2024
Project Category: Public space activation
Description: The city will create a new greenspace in the heart of Clyde's downtown. The gathering place will include seating, an accessible stage and the town's only public restrooms. Other improvements will include new signage and lighting.
Nowata, OK
AARP Community Challenge Grant Year: 2022
Project Category: Public space activation
Description: This project enhanced an alleyway, previously adorned with several murals, by installing ADA-compliant benches, tables, lighting, planters and a small stage.
Nearby AARP Community Challenge Projects
Amherst, VA
AARP Community Challenge Grant Year: 2024
Project Category: Park enhancements
Description: The county will create a bocce ball court in response to requests from older adult residents, providing them with a low-cost, healthy recreation option. The new court will be located at a community center.
Bedford, VA
AARP Community Challenge Grant Year: 2019
Project Category: Trails
Description: The Town of Bedford installed benches, bike racks, signage and trash cans along walking and bike routes, including a path known locally as the Loop, as well as two newer paths. The Town created a map to display in kiosks, which show three different options for walking the paths. Public art was a focus of this project -- the benches and racks were designed by local artists and a local metal fabrication company built them. To include residents in the planning process, the Town held a Design the Sign workshop, where attendees suggested their ideas for sign graphics. An artist then incorporated those suggestions in the final design. Project organizers say improvements to the Loop have brought awareness for the Town's efforts to revitalize the Bridge Street area.
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