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Logan Public Library (2023) Print
2023 AARP Community Challenge Grantee
Project Category
Public places
└ Public space activation
└ Public space activation
Older adults in Logan lacked safe outdoor spaces and reliable internet, often sitting on library steps to access Wi-Fi. The library addressed this by adding a covered gazebo, ADA-compliant picnic table and extended Wi-Fi outdoors. Volunteers, most age 50-plus, built seating and decorated the space, creating a welcoming area for gatherings. The project boosted visits and social engagement, with one resident mentioning that a project like this has long been overdue. Plans include adding solar charging stations and a community notice board to keep the momentum going.
Project description was created using generative AI and then reviewed for accuracy.
Project description was created using generative AI and then reviewed for accuracy.
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Wheeling, WV
AARP Community Challenge Grant Year: 2023
Project Category: Public space activation
Description: Wheeling Heritage turned a vacant downtown lot into a pocket park, giving residents and older adults a safe, inviting place to gather. Volunteers helped install benches, garden beds, game tables and art features, along with pet-friendly amenities and lighting. The park now offers a quiet spot for relaxation and recreation and is expected to complement nearby plaza events. A local business owner said, "It's great to see others taking pride in the positive momentum happening at Market Plaza."
Project description was created using generative AI and then reviewed for accuracy.
Milton-Freewater, OR
AARP Community Challenge Grant Year: 2020
Project Category: Public space activation
Description: This project temporarily transformed an underused parking lot into a town plaza, dubbed Freewater Square. First, the Milton-Freewater Downtown Alliance made repairs to the pavement and added electric and water access at the site. They then purchased outdoor furniture, shade umbrellas and games. Volunteers also built planters and installed a stage for performances. To beautify the plaza, project organizers also held a mural painting competition. After the transformation, the plaza hosted monthly events, including live music, movie nights, community art projects and game tournaments -- all of which gave residents a safe way to socialize during the COVID-19 pandemic. Small buildings host pop-ups, allowing the site the act as a small business incubator. Eventually, MFDA plans to revert the site to a parking lot. But project organizers say they will use ideas from the plaza activation to permanently convert a nearby vacant lot into a community market and activity center.
Kansas City, KS
AARP Community Challenge Grant Year: 2021
Project Category: Public space activation
Description: Kansas City's Rosedale neighborhood has lacked a community center for some time, so the Rosedale Development Association renovated and reopened a community meeting space. They added flooring, a barrier-free threshold to provide easy access for people with mobility limitations and a wall anchor system for displaying art and historical artifacts The space now hosts community events, including coffee and conversation meet-ups, adult education classes, yoga sessions and youth activities.
Nearby AARP Community Challenge Projects
Woodbine, IA
AARP Community Challenge Grant Year: 2018
Project Category: Improved wayfinding
Description: To create a sense of place in the downtown Historic District, Woodbine Main Street designed and installed a dozen interpretive signs. The signs -- which volunteers placed on downtown buildings -- communicate historical facts, as well as local cultural context and human-interest stories. Project organizers say the placemaking initiative turns the district into an outdoor museum. Woodbine Main Street features the signage in its series of walking field trips -- part of the organization's efforts to improve walkability throughout Woodbine.
Minden, IA
AARP Community Challenge Grant Year: 2026
Project Category: Park enhancements
Description: The city will build a covered shelter as part of rebuilding Kahler Park after a devastating tornado. The shelter will support gatherings, programs and longer park visits, helping people reconnect and stay active outdoors.
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