Castleton-on-Hudson, NY

AARP Community Challenge Grant Year: 2018

Project Category: Public space activation

Description: The Village of Castleton-on-Hudson regularly hosts a Repair Cafe event, where volunteers repaired any item brought to them, if possible. One problem: the event takes place on the second floor of a Village Hall, which has no elevator. This posed an accessibility issue -- locals often complained about climbing the building's difficult staircase. To solve this, the Village moved its Repair Cafe to Noyes Engine House. They also worked to activate a vacant lot next door, installing a community bulletin board, benches and planters onsite. The improvements support wider efforts to revitalize the village's downtown, with the goal of drawing more people to the central business district.

Afton, IA

AARP Community Challenge Grant Year: 2020

Project Category: Public space activation

Description: The City of Afton built a portable parklet, which City staff can easily set up around town. The temporary patio takes up the space of three on-street parking spaces and accommodates tables and chairs for a dozen people. It also includes shade sails to keep visitors out of the sun. Volunteers -- including local high school students -- constructed the parklet out of recycled wooden pallets. Designed to be broken down and stored for winter, the parklet offers extra outdoor seating for local restaurants parklet features shade sails to block out the sun. In addition, the City deploys it on the town square for community events, such as parades and the Fourth of July.

Forman, ND

AARP Community Challenge Grant Year: 2019

Project Category: Public space activation

Description: The City of Forman transformed an empty lot into a pleasant gathering space, designed especially for older adults. The space is located on the city's Main Street, across from a senior center and next to the county health office. To activate the lot, the City installed paving stones and set up a two-person table with chairs. They also added planters, solar lights, a trash can, a metal bench and an arbor at the entrance. Flowers, shrubs and a community garden with six raised beds followed. As the only outdoor area on Forman's Main Street with seating, the site gave people a safe place to gather during the COVID-19 pandemic. With new businesses opening across the street, the City expects to see more pedestrian traffic in the neighborhood.