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Jackson, WY
AARP Community Challenge Grant Year: 2020
Project Category: Public space activation
Description: As part of efforts to activate a new green space in downtown Jackson, the Jackson Hole Land Trust commissioned local artists to design benches for the space. All three benches meet ADA accessibility standards, with designs that encourage visitors to sit, touch and climb. Project organizers installed the seating ahead of a grand opening celebration for the Greenspace on the Block, a conservation easement that features walking trails and provides an outdoor venue for community activities.
Columbia, SC
AARP Community Challenge Grant Year: 2017
Project Category: Public space activation
Description: The City of Columbia set out to provide outdoor seating along Main Street, an area that attracts pedestrians and hosts events that draw visitors from the surrounding region. Project organizers say that people now have a spot to work on their laptops, enjoy a cup of coffee or take in a meal from nearby food trucks. Although staff originally removed and stored the tables at the end of each day, their popularity spurred the City to leave them out permanently. And when the COVID-19 pandemic hit, the colorful tables and chairs provided residents with a safe space to gather outside. Because the seating is heavily used, the City has explored more ways to provide seating on Main Street.
Montpelier, VT
AARP Community Challenge Grant Year: 2017
Project Category: Public space activation
Description: To provide a place for cyclists and walkers to rest and socialize, this project developed a pocket park along an existing bike path. Guertin Pocket Park features a pergola -- a wooden structure with a roof -- to provide shelter from the sun or rain. Project organizers also incorporated seating and bike racks, as well as a rainwater collection system that feeds a small decorative garden. In 2021, the city decided to move the pocket park to a new location in the heart of downtown.
Nearby AARP Community Challenge Projects
Greenville, NC
AARP Community Challenge Grant Year: 2022
Project Category: Engaging people in transportation options/safety
Description: This project set out to create a space where drivers, cyclists and pedestrians can learn street safety practices. To do this, organizers installed the Greenville Traffic Garden. Volunteers painted markings on the pavement to make a simulated roadway. Visitors to the garden -- including children and older adults -- can practice yielding to traffic, riding alongside traffic and walking safety along the roadway. Organizers hope the space helps encourage people of all ages to walk and bike.
Vanceboro, NC
AARP Community Challenge Grant Year: 2022
Project Category: Resources about housing options, safety and services
Description: This project built one housing unit as a model for socially conscious and environmentally-friendly homelessness reduction for residents with high barriers to employment.
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