See More Projects Like This One

Silver City, NM

AARP Community Challenge Grant Year: 2022

Project Category: Public space activation

Description: To attract visitors to the downtown area, this project established a game area and installed large photos depicting historic flooding in the town.

Rugby, ND

AARP Community Challenge Grant Year: 2025

Project Category: Public space activation

Description: Downtown Rugby lacked a welcoming place for people to gather, so the Chamber set out to make the park more inviting with seating, art and holiday features that support walkability and community events. The team installed benches, picnic tables including an accessible table, umbrellas and new holiday props. It then activated the space with a Prairie Painted Piano scavenger hunt. Volunteers, many age 55-plus, helped prepare the area ahead of the Parade of Lights, when families used the new features. One visitor said "The additions were so fun to see... it is great to see people caring about this area and making improvements."

Browning, MT

AARP Community Challenge Grant Year: 2018

Project Category: Public space activation

Description: This project enhanced the Eagle Shield Senior Center's outdoor space, adding canopy swings, as well as fencing and landscaping. Project organizers hope the outdoor area becomes an age-friendly gathering space, giving Blackfeet elders a place to share their culture and language with each other -- and with future generations.

Nearby AARP Community Challenge Projects

Chicago, IL

AARP Community Challenge Grant Year: 2021

Project Category: Roadway/sidewalks/crosswalk improvement

Description: Chicago's Clark Street commercial district is a busy area for commuters and shoppers. To increase safety, decrease crime and beautify the neighborhood, the Rogers Park Business Alliance created its Cross the Street: Art on Clark project. Organizers painted murals on the pavement at intersections near the local commuter train station, as well as on side streets leading to the Clark Street shopping district. The permanent art installations are meant to encourage drivers to slow down as they approach. Also meant to be a placemaking intervention, the pavement art also encourages pedestrians to engage with local businesses. Since installation, project organizers say Art on Clark has improved economic vitality and public safety in the neighborhood.

Chicago, IL

AARP Community Challenge Grant Year: 2019

Project Category: Roadway/sidewalks/crosswalk improvement

Description: To call attention to rough conditions on Chicago's sidewalks and bike routes, the Recyclery Collective commissioned local artists to fill in potholes with mosaics. Project organizers engaged the community to select each installation site. Not only do the colorful mosaics beautify the neighborhood, they also make the pavement easier to navigate. Organizers hope the project brings people together and demonstrates the importance of navigable streets and sidewalks.

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