See More Projects Like This One

Chickasha, OK

AARP Community Challenge Grant Year: 2021

Project Category: Public space activation

Description: As part of wider efforts to revitalize Chickasha's downtown, the Chickasha Economic Development Council made several streetscape improvements. To increase foot traffic to local businesses, volunteers decorated crosswalks with pavement art and created a mural. They also installed benches and bike tracks. The branding effort is meant to redefine the town's commercial district and connect it with the surrounding neighborhoods. Project organizers hope to build on the improvements in the future, adding additional public art and pedestrian infrastructure.

Port Orford, OR

AARP Community Challenge Grant Year: 2017

Project Category: Public space activation

Description: To revitalize Port Orford's downtown and make it more walkable, the City installed benches with built-in planters along Main Street. Sites chosen for the new benches included the local food co-op, a quilt shop and a Norwegian restaurant. A construction crew from a nearby correctional facility built four bench-planter combos. High school students made plaques to recognize the inmates for their work and AARP for funding the building supplies. After installation, the local arts council set up the community's traditional holiday crab-pot tree next to one of the benches and added festive decorations to its planter. Project organizers report downtown property owners are thrilled with the improvements and the City plans to continue adding seating to Main Street.

Grand Rapids, MI

AARP Community Challenge Grant Year: 2024

Project Category: Public space activation

Description: This project will enlist volunteers of all ages to repaint faded sidewalk art, improving wayfinding and walkability. The playful design will visually connect the sidewalks to a nearby pedestrian plaza and green spaces.

Nearby AARP Community Challenge Projects

Easton, PA

AARP Community Challenge Grant Year: 2024

Project Category: Walk Audits

Description: A walk and run audit through downtown Easton will identify a suitable walking and running path for health-conscious older adults. JLV will distribute online and written surveys and will share the audit's results with city officials.

Belvidere, NJ

AARP Community Challenge Grant Year: 2022

Project Category: Roadway/sidewalks/crosswalk improvement

Description: This project created a colorful bike lane along a busy downtown street to slow traffic and improve mobility options. It also purchased two bike racks, two repair stations and five benches for the area.

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