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Millinocket Memorial Library (2023) Print
2023 AARP Community Challenge Grantee
Project Category
Public places
└ Public space activation
└ Public space activation
This grant will facilitate the transformation of a small, underutilized room into a welcoming and functional seating area in the library. This space will be reimagined to serve a diverse age group, fostering inclusivity and engagement among library visitors to relax, craft, and socialize.
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See More Projects Like This One
Bowman, ND
AARP Community Challenge Grant Year: 2021
Project Category: Public space activation
Description: This project transformed a vacant lot on Bowman's Main Street into a community garden and pocket park. The Bowman County Development Corporation activated the space by adding accessible seating, an outdoor dining area, flowerpots and a shade structure. Residents of the small town were encouraged to get involved by laying pavers and planting grass, while a sign at the garden's entrance invites visitors to pull a weed or two and enjoy the fresh produce. Since the improvements, other local organizations have added to the garden, installing bike racks and a self-watering plot showcasing native plants.
Nevada, IA
AARP Community Challenge Grant Year: 2025
Project Category: Public space activation
Description: This project will transform two underutilized downtown areas into accessible gathering spots with handicap seating and shade.
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.
Nearby AARP Community Challenge Projects
Millinocket, ME
AARP Community Challenge Grant Year: 2020
Project Category: Engaging residents in vibrant public places
Description: Residents and leaders in Millinocket, located at the foot of Mount Katahdin, are working to make the town a four-season destination for outdoor recreation. To encourage residents to get outside and interact with their neighbors, the Town held the Katahdin Snowdown, a winter event. Activities included ice skating, snowshoeing, snow art and a bonfire. Organizers offered visitors hot chocolate and coffee. In addition, the Town installed a story walk -- a series of signs along a local hiking trail that each display a portion of a storybook. Equipment purchased for the event -- including benches, pop-up tents, insulated coolers and speakers -- are now available for use at other town events. The outdoor event provided residents with an intergenerational social outing during the early months of the COVID-19 pandemic. In the years since, the Snowdown has become an annual occurrence.
Dover-Foxcroft, ME
AARP Community Challenge Grant Year: 2025
Project Category: Walk Audits
Description: This project will conduct five walk audits to identify locations for sidewalk and crosswalk improvements. Two community meetings will be held to discuss the audit results with residents and business owners.
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