New Orleans, LA

AARP Community Challenge Grant Year: 2025

Project Category: Public space activation

Description: The Urban Conservancy addressed the lack of accessible, comfortable outdoor space in Gert Town, where older adults had few shaded places to walk, sit or gather near their homes. An unused lot offered little reason to enter and limited access points made it feel disconnected from the neighborhood. The project transformed the site into an inviting orchard and community space by adding an accessible walking path, shade structures, fruit trees, signage and a bike rack. New entrances made the space easier to reach and clearly signaled that neighbors were welcome. Older adults now have a place to spend time outdoors, connect with others and access fresh fruit, while ongoing use and planning are guiding future additions that will keep the space active and cared for.

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

Grand Forks, ND

AARP Community Challenge Grant Year: 2025

Project Category: Public space activation

Description: Smiley Park and Skidmore Park had fallen out of regular use, reducing places for neighbors to gather and limiting opportunities for older adults who once helped lead community activities. The project refreshed both parks with garden beds, a little free library, a bike rack and safer sidewalk access. Activation events, including a 50th anniversary celebration, brought residents back and helped older volunteers reconnect with younger families. Weekly walking meetups resumed and improved signage and banners strengthened community identity. These changes helped residents build new routines in the parks and encouraged continued advocacy for long term upgrades. One participant noted that the work helped bring awareness to the need for people to stay active and educated. The improvements also positioned neighbors to push for future safety enhancements and park investments, supporting lasting use of the spaces.

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

Camden, SC

AARP Community Challenge Grant Year: 2017

Project Category: Public space activation

Description: Camden's Main Street program transformed the city's Broad Street alley into a vibrant throughway for shoppers and diners. To involve community members in the makeover, the City invited residents to the space to create stained glass-like globes out of tissue paper. By hanging the completed art pieces and adding LED string lights and shade canopies, the City created a decorative, open ceiling to the alley. They later added benches and planters to create an outdoor gathering space. "It's wonderful to see the residents who created pieces strolling through the alley and pointing out to friends and family where their piece is located," Camden Main Street Program Manager Katherine Spadacenta said.