Lemmon, SD

AARP Community Challenge Grant Year: 2019

Project Category: Public space activation

Description: Staff at the Lemmon Public Library saw a need to reduce social isolation in town, particularly among older residents. To address this, they set out to improve the library's public gathering space. Project organizers created a new bakery cafe, purchasing folding tables with stacking chairs, an acrylic pastry cabinet, a cake cover and cupcake display, tablecloths and pump pots for coffee. Since the cafe's opening, the library has used new tables and chairs at hundreds of events and the space has accommodated pop-up shops. The opportunity to bake for the cafe led some residents to launch their own baking businesses and one retired baker was inspired to plan a workshop for women starting businesses. Sparked by the success of the cafe, library staff have since pursued other opportunities to expand community space, including providing library patrons with an outdoor area for reading and gathering.

Surry, ME

AARP Community Challenge Grant Year: 2024

Project Category: Public space activation

Description: Older residents without internet access were missing vital town notices after the Post Office banned postings. To restore communication, the group built a kiosk beside the Post Office with three corkboard panels for official notices and social events, plus vibrant artwork to draw attention. Plans include a Little Free Library and seasonal plantings. The kiosk now serves as a central hub for information, helping older adults stay connected. Residents praised the improvement, and volunteers will maintain it year-round.

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

Hettinger, ND

AARP Community Challenge Grant Year: 2018

Project Category: Public space activation

Description: To expand recreation options for residents of Hettinger, this project activated Centennial Square, an underused space in the city's downtown. The Hettinger Area Chamber of Commerce added outdoor games to the square, including Jenga and chess. Organizers say they hope the games plaza draw people downtown and provide opportunities for intergenerational activities. "The biggest highlight of this project was the way that a few games brought together a diverse spread of community members of different ages," Chamber of Commerce Executive Director Jasmin Fosheim said.