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Milwaukee, WI
AARP Community Challenge Grant Year: 2020
Project Category: Public space activation
Description: As part of the ongoing efforts to improve Gardner Park, the City of Milwaukee added a new community gathering space. Located in the Menomonee River Hills neighborhood, the intergenerational space features a gravel patio area, as well as wheelchair-accessible tables with built-in game boards, benches, an information kiosk and new landscaping. Previously, the City installed a new playground, walking path and fitness equipment at the park. Project organizers say in recent years the neighborhood has welcomed an influx of new families -- including those from the Hmong community -- underscoring the need for a public space for neighbors to meet and socialize.
Wellsburg, WV
AARP Community Challenge Grant Year: 2022
Project Category: Public space activation
Description: This project revitalized the Town Square by leveling brick pavers and installing tables, chairs, umbrellas and trash cans, as well as murals on the walls and colorful paint on crosswalks.
Evanston, WY
AARP Community Challenge Grant Year: 2021
Project Category: Public space activation
Description: To bring vibrancy to Evanston's downtown, Evanston's Main Street program installed a unique, new seating option. This project added swing tables, which consist of a picnic table with bench seating on one side and swings on the other. Each table also accommodates people who use wheelchairs, who can roll up to either end of the table. To make the seating more comfortable, Main Street equipped each table with shade sails and solar lights. Additionally, the program engaged volunteers to paint pavement murals in the central business district's street crossings. The public art serves a dual purpose -- the murals add color to the streetscape and make crosswalks more noticeable to passing drivers. This calms traffic and increases pedestrian safety.
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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