Milton-Freewater, OR

AARP Community Challenge Grant Year: 2020

Project Category: Public space activation

Description: This project temporarily transformed an underused parking lot into a town plaza, dubbed Freewater Square. First, the Milton-Freewater Downtown Alliance made repairs to the pavement and added electric and water access at the site. They then purchased outdoor furniture, shade umbrellas and games. Volunteers also built planters and installed a stage for performances. To beautify the plaza, project organizers also held a mural painting competition. After the transformation, the plaza hosted monthly events, including live music, movie nights, community art projects and game tournaments -- all of which gave residents a safe way to socialize during the COVID-19 pandemic. Small buildings host pop-ups, allowing the site the act as a small business incubator. Eventually, MFDA plans to revert the site to a parking lot. But project organizers say they will use ideas from the plaza activation to permanently convert a nearby vacant lot into a community market and activity center.

Sacramento, CA

AARP Community Challenge Grant Year: 2024

Project Category: Public space activation

Description: This pop-up placemaking project will transform a parking lot into an outdoor plaza. Volunteers will install accessible benches to accommodate older adults attending planned events in the space.

Opelika, AL

AARP Community Challenge Grant Year: 2022

Project Category: Public space activation

Description: This project installed an outdoor game station in an underutilized public space, so residents and visitors could have fun while spending time downtown.