Atlanta, GA

AARP Community Challenge Grant Year: 2021

Project Category: Public space activation

Description: Woodruff Park's game cart allows visitors to borrow games, sports equipment and other recreation items at no charge. To improve the kiosk's appearance and attract visitors, the Atlanta Downtown Improvement District partnered with local graphic design students to create highly visible decals. They also used checkerboard decals to convert round park tables into game tables. Finally, the organization purchased new supplies for the game cart, including coloring books, watercolor paint kits and markers and crayons. Following the improvements, the BID used the tabled to host chess tournaments, which attracted new visitors to the park.

Salem, OR

AARP Community Challenge Grant Year: 2022

Project Category: Public space activation

Description: Older adults and residents with mobility challenges in Salem lacked inclusive outdoor spaces for gardening and social engagement. The project created an accessible garden with ADA-compliant benches, raised beds and pathways, and hosted a groundbreaking event to introduce multigenerational gardening. The space now supports outdoor classes and community gatherings that alleviate isolation and foster connections. "As I've seen the garden space since the groundbreaking event, it looks more like a community gathering space than the area did prior to the updates," said a participant.

Project description was created using generative AI and then reviewed for accuracy.

Gooding, ID

AARP Community Challenge Grant Year: 2020

Project Category: Public space activation

Description: The Gooding Public Library Foundation converted an unused area of West Park into a community commons. Located near Gooding's library, city hall and police station, the site now features accessible picnic tables, shade canopies and lidded trash cans. The library now uses the site for a variety of activities, including story time and science experiments. Library patrons, workers on lunch break and other community members also gather in the space. The library now plans to install a little free library in the park.