Dixon, KY

AARP Community Challenge Grant Year: 2021

Project Category: Public space activation

Description: Webster County Senior Center has delivered meals to homebound older adults for years. But the center has never fully used its large outdoor greenspace and patio. To make the space more appealing, the center created an outdoor seating area with benches, tables and games, which allow visitors to dine outdoors and make social connections. Today, residents use the space for bingo and board games between meals, and the patio hosts community events.

Martin, SD

AARP Community Challenge Grant Year: 2021

Project Category: Public space activation

Description: A pocket park and community garden in Martin had fallen into disrepair, but organizers with South Dakota State University Extension hoped to breathe new life into the space. They engaged volunteers to paint the Hope Garden's pergola and remove broken picnic tables, replacing them with new, accessible tables. Additionally, they repaired the garden's drip irrigation system, installed a trash can and added a portable handwashing station. A local artist also painted a mural onsite and new solar lights make the mini-park feel safter at night. Project organizers say the Hope Garden will offer a space for community events and educational offerings. They say improvements to the site helped make the space more sustainable and welcoming to community members.

Conyers, GA

AARP Community Challenge Grant Year: 2021

Project Category: Public space activation

Description: The grounds of the Conyers-Rockdale Library offer locals an attractive, relaxing place to work remotely and enjoy the area's natural surroundings. Through its Birds, Benches and Blooms project, the library installed brightly colored benches around the grounds, including one on the Olde Town Conyers Trail, a well-traveled bicycle and pedestrian path. Project organizers also installed hand-crafted wooden bird feeders with live stream cameras, allowing residents to watch birds in person and from home. Additionally, the library bought two weather-protected corkboards to display community announcements.