Rapid City, SD

AARP Community Challenge Grant Year: 2017

Project Category: Public space activation

Description: To increase awareness of the local book club and other community activities, NeighborWorks designed and installed 30 flags in the North Rapid neighborhood. A local artists created designs for the flags and residents worked together to approve wording for each one. Volunteers then installed flags on utility poles throughout the neighborhood. Project organizers say that since the flags appeared, local groups have received inquiries about how to become more involved in local activities.

Greeley, IA

AARP Community Challenge Grant Year: 2022

Project Category: Public space activation

Description: This project supported the City of Greeley's efforts to create a downtown corridor. The placemaking effort involved adding decorative light poles along State Highway 38.

Harrodsburg, KY

AARP Community Challenge Grant Year: 2020

Project Category: Public space activation

Description: As the City of Harrodsburg approaches its 250th anniversary, Campbellsville University's Conover Education Center surveyed residents about their preferences for neighborhood beautification. In response to their feedback, the Center made streetscaping improvements to Broadway Street. The organization installed commemorative signs at both end of the street, which identify the road as Kentucky's oldest. The Center also added solar lighting, four native shade trees and concrete planters showcasing holly bushes. The new amenities represent improvements to an area which hosts a local festival. Project organizers say the effort also gave longtime residents the chance to engage with local leaders and share their stories and history.