Vallejo, CA

AARP Community Challenge Grant Year: 2024

Project Category: Public space activation

Description: This project will transform a neglected alleyway into a lively gathering space for residents of all ages. Volunteers will add temporary amenities to the space, which will support more permanent investment into Vallejo's downtown revitalization.

Columbia, SC

AARP Community Challenge Grant Year: 2020

Project Category: Public space activation

Description: As part of efforts to activate space and increase the vitality of Columbia's downtown, this project created the city's first parklet. Parklets transform on-street parking spaces into public gathering spaces. Originally intended to be temporary, Columbia's miniature park consists of a ground-level, fenced-in deck featuring an art installation, a cafe table and chairs and new planters. While several nearby restaurants lack outdoor seating space, the parklet remedied this, giving visitors a space to eat and socialize. To gather public feedback about the new space, city staff displayed a QR code onsite, which linked to an online survey. Spurred by the success of this project, organizers made plans to add more parklets downtown. City staff have also looked into creating a parklet ordinance, which would allow local businesses to create similar spaces in the future.

Newfolden, MN

AARP Community Challenge Grant Year: 2025

Project Category: Public space activation

Description: This project will create an outdoor gathering area at the Newfolden Community and Senior Center. The space will feature accessible seating, planting areas, and table-scapes to promote intergenerational gathering and inclusivity.