McAlester, OK

AARP Community Challenge Grant Year: 2019

Project Category: Public space activation

Description: By activating an underutilized parking lot, the City of McAlester gave residents access to green space in the heart of its historic downtown. Before opening the new park, the City prepared the site, clearing concrete, replacing soil and resolving stormwater drainage issues. Dubbed Arvest Park, amenities there include accessible sidewalks, food truck hookups, bike posts, tables with seating and a water fountain. Project organizers say the park filled a need for gathering space within a commercial area and helps support local businesses. The site often accommodates pop-up business and locals use the green space to gather for lunch and meet up for shopping or errands.

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.

Kamiah, ID

AARP Community Challenge Grant Year: 2018

Project Category: Public space activation

Description: To create a gathering place for their rural community and provide opportunities for social connection, the Carrot Ridge Volunteer Fire District equipped its red-sided, barn-like building with tables, chairs and small appliances. They then hosted a dinner to thank the many volunteers who donated time, land, building supplies and more to build the center during its construction. Since then, the center has hosted chili cook-offs, a community Thanksgiving event and barbeques for hundreds of residents.