West Fargo, ND

AARP Community Challenge Grant Year: 2019

Project Category: Public space activation

Description: As part of efforts to attract visitors to its downtown, the City of West Fargo hoped to turn its POW/MIA Plaza on Sheyenne Street into a gathering space. To do this, the City purchased game tables for a previously underused portion of the plaza. "This project helped demonstratethe importance of creating opportunities for fun and safe activities in the city's new and improved downtown area," City Planner Malachi Petersen said. "It is our hope that this project will lead to future projects which encourage walkability and active lifestyles in our community." Today the plaza hosts community events, including a farmers market. Project organizers hope to replicate the games in other parts of West Fargo in the future.

Marshalltown, IA

AARP Community Challenge Grant Year: 2026

Project Category: Public space activation

Description: A community-led effort will convert a tornado-impacted downtown lot into an accessible pocket plaza with shade, seating and public art. The space will encourage gathering and walking downtown while supporting local businesses and social connections.

Arthurdale, WV

AARP Community Challenge Grant Year: 2024

Project Category: Public space activation

Description: On Arthurdale's historic 23-acre campus, uneven sidewalks and a lack of outdoor amenities made visits difficult for older adults and others seeking safe, accessible spaces. The project replaced a hazardous 75-foot sidewalk and added benches, trash bins, a dog waste station and a bike rack. New landscaping to beautify the grounds was also created. These improvements have made the site safer and more inviting, encouraging residents to use it for recreation and events. Community feedback has been overwhelmingly positive, and plans are underway for expanded sidewalks and new programs for older adults.

Project description was created using generative AI and then reviewed for accuracy.