Lynchburg, VA

AARP Community Challenge Grant Year: 2025

Project Category: Public space activation

Description: This wayfinding project will help residents and the school community navigate the shared public space. It aims to activate the underutilized schoolyard, fostering intergenerational engagement.

Closter, NJ

AARP Community Challenge Grant Year: 2022

Project Category: Public space activation

Description: This project set out to connect a parking area with a lively commercial street. To do this, organizers transformed an underused alley into a pocket park. They outfitted the space with benches and landscaping. The space helps commuters and shoppers travel through Closter's downtown and doubles as a community gathering space.

Jackson, MS

AARP Community Challenge Grant Year: 2018

Project Category: Public space activation

Description: The City of Jackson set out to demonstrate the value of vibrant public spaces. This project was part of larger open streets efforts, which close streets to vehicle traffic residents to gather, walk and play there. First, the City created a parklet on Congress Street downtown. The temporary mini-park fit in the footprint of an on-street parking space. The City outfitted the space with outdoor furniture, allowing residents to relax and socialize. Organizers say the parklet also drove business to local restaurants, providing outdoor dining space for customers. To gauge residents' reaction to the space, the City conducted a survey during the pop-up. The City has since worked to develop guidelines for parklet creation, allowing local businesses to set up their own outdoor spaces.