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Belfast, ME
AARP Community Challenge Grant Year: 2019
Project Category: Public safety interventions
Description: Two public libraries made their public spaces more inviting and functional through repairs, beautification and accessibility upgrades. In the Town of Liberty, Liberty Library improved lighting at its building entrance, which increased a sense public safety. The library also added lighting to an outdoor area already equipped with a chess and checkers table and planters. Carver Memorial Library in Searsport upgraded its electric system to allow for brighter lighting, with fixtures selected to echo the building's historic architecture. An alcove with large-print books also received custom-made shelving. Following these improvements, the libraries increased programming offerings for older adults.
North Yarmouth, ME
AARP Community Challenge Grant Year: 2017
Project Category: Emergency preparedness skills
Description: To ensure first responders can help in a fire or other emergency, North Yarmouth Fire and Rescue installed Knox Home Boxes at the homes of older adults and people with disabilities. The key safes allow firefighters and other first responders to enter homes with a key or code, without needing to damage a house's doors or windows. The boxes are set up to prevent others from accessing the key, making them secure. Project organizers report residents who originally received temporary equipment have since requested permanent installation. The Knox Box initiative remains in place today in North Yarmouth.
Wilmington, DE
AARP Community Challenge Grant Year: 2019
Project Category: Public space activation
Description: 1225 D Street was an abandoned lot overrun with weeds, errant trees and debris. Y Innovations planned to create a green space and community garden there, but first the area had to be cleared. Organizers began by removing garbage that had been dumped in the spot, as well as dead tree limbs, many feet of dilapidated fencing and three vacant sheds. The organization then added new fencing, making the space ready for the next phase of the project.
Nearby AARP Community Challenge Projects
Haigler, NE
AARP Community Challenge Grant Year: 2020
Project Category: Accessibility of amenities
Description: The Haigler Community Foundation upgraded a restroom in Cornerstone Museum to comply with Americans with Disabilities Act standards for accessibility. Improvements included adding a Braille sign with accessible symbols, a stool, four grab bars, a new sink and a coat rack. The village uses its museum complex for community activities, including the annual Tumbleweed Festival.
Imperial, NE
AARP Community Challenge Grant Year: 2021
Project Category: Public space activation
Description: A vacant lot in the heart of Imperial's downtown had been an eyesore for decades. To put the space to better use, the City of Imperial activated the space, creating a new pocket park. Volunteers helped create several murals onsite and installed a mosaic dragon sculpture, designed to double as a play structure for children. Using upcycled existing picnic tables and railroad ties, they also created a circular seating area, dubbed the chatroom. Local elementary school students and residents of an assisted living facility teamed up to paint tiles to decorate outdoor sectional couch. And volunteers laid down artificial turf -- a material chosen to make the mini-park easy to maintain. Raised flower beds completed the space. Since the mini-park's completion, organizers say community members continue to brainstorm ways to improve the pocket park, which they say has revitalized Imperial's arts scene.
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