Westwood, NJ

AARP Community Challenge Grant Year: 2019

Project Category: Public space activation

Description: To provide a safe and enjoyable gathering space, the Borough of Westwood created a parklet. Meant to sit in the footprint of a parking space, the parklet was designed to give people of all ages, ethnicities and socio-economic backgrounds a place to sit and relax in Westwood's central business district.

Washington, DC

AARP Community Challenge Grant Year: 2022

Project Category: Public space activation

Description: Genesis residents lacked a safe, inviting outdoor space, leaving older adults and families isolated. The project installed 20 resident-painted mural panels, solar lights and a welcome sign, and redesigned the patio with movable seating for performances. A fall celebration with food and music marked the transformation. "The murals look so lovely, and the lighting makes this area feel more inviting," said one resident, noting how the space now fosters pride and connection across generations.

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.