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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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Project description was created using generative AI and then reviewed for accuracy.
Clyde, KS
AARP Community Challenge Grant Year: 2024
Project Category: Public space activation
Description: Downtown Clyde lacked a safe, welcoming space for gatherings, leaving older adults without an accessible venue for celebrations and casual meetups. The project installed pathway, bistro and landscape lighting across the new Village Green. This illuminatied walkways, seating areas and a mural, while adding color-changing lights to a water feature for seasonal appeal. Exterior lights improved safety around the vendor building. Residents now enjoy a secure, vibrant space for milestone events and daily interactions. One donor said, "I'm so proud of the City of Clyde for its efforts," and noted the positive effect on family and community.
Project description was created using generative AI and then reviewed for accuracy.
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Lynchburg, VA
AARP Community Challenge Grant Year: 2025
Project Category: Public space activation
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Project Category: Public space activation
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