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Neighborhood Improvement Development Corporation (2022) Print
2022 AARP Community Challenge Grantee
Project Category
Public places
└ Public space activation
└ Public space activation
Responding to growing social isolation during the COVID-19 pandemic, organizers with the Neighborhood Improvement Development Corporation hoped to give residents a place to socialize outdoors. Focusing on Milwaukee neighborhoods with a high density of vacant lots and a lack of public green space, the nonprofit repurposed vacant, city-owned parcels into community gathering spaces. Volunteers mowed grass and removed debris to prepare the lots. The resulting five Healing Spaces now feature benches, pergolas, perennial flowers and ADA-compliant walking paths. Soon after activating one formerly vacant lot, organizers reported seeing teens picnicking onsite -- a sign of the space's potential to foster togetherness. Today, the spaces host community events, including yoga sessions and health workshops.
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See More Projects Like This One
Nashville, TN
AARP Community Challenge Grant Year: 2021
Project Category: Public space activation
Description: To help older adults age in place in their community, Rebuilding Together Nashville made improvements to three community spaces in the Bordeaux neighborhood. The nonprofit gathered feedback from residents to choose which spaces to update. At FiftyForward Bordeaux -- a senior center -- volunteers installed a shade structure, allowing visitors to comfortably gather outdoors. They also added a shed onsite and updated the center's interior, including painting and installing shelving. The Infinity Center is an after-school center that hosts children's theater and community classes. There, volunteers replaced windows, sealed water leaks and repaired a dilapidated deck. Finally, they helped Brooklyn Heights Community Garden transition from a group of raised beds to a full-scale urban farm. Volunteers demolished and moved old garden beds and prepared the site for a new pack and wash station, greenhouse and production garden.
Kendallville, IN
AARP Community Challenge Grant Year: 2021
Project Category: Public space activation
Description: The City of Kendallville was looking to add more greenspace to its downtown as part of a streetscape revitalization project. To achieve this, the City created an ADA-compliant pocket park with walking paths, tables, benches, shade pergolas and new trees and flowers. Organizers also added a large driveway to accommodate the village's mobile stage, which allows the space to host outdoor entertainment. Ambient lighting and parking pads for food trucks rounded out the improvements, which make the park welcoming for visitors of all ages and abilities.
San Francisco, CA
AARP Community Challenge Grant Year: 2022
Project Category: Public space activation
Description: Older adults in San Francisco's Tenderloin neighborhood lacked safe outdoor spaces and faced isolation in single-room housing. The project transformed Dodge Alley with a vibrant mural, native plants, ADA-compliant benches, bistro tables and permanent string lighting. Monthly events featuring music, art and games turned the alley into a welcoming gathering spot. Residents now help maintain the space, and city agencies plan further upgrades.
Project description was created using generative AI and then reviewed for accuracy.
Nearby AARP Community Challenge Projects
Milwaukee, WI
AARP Community Challenge Grant Year: 2023
Project Category: Engaging people in transportation options/safety
Description: Reckless driving left many residents, especially older adults, feeling unsafe and isolated. To address this, the city launched a traffic calming lending library stocked with cones, looper tubes and other materials. In addition, it partnered with Wisconsin Bike Fed to host workshops and street demonstrations. Residents tested options like traffic circles and curb extensions and learned about permanent solutions. The hands-on approach gave older adults a voice in street design and sparked plans to expand the program, update guidelines and make neighborhoods safer for walking.
Project description was created using generative AI and then reviewed for accuracy.
Milwaukee, WI
AARP Community Challenge Grant Year: 2020
Project Category: Park enhancements
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.
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