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Silver City MainStreet (2022) Print
2022 AARP Community Challenge Grantee
Project Category
Public places
└ Public space activation
└ Public space activation
A dead-end section of Yankie Street was transformed into an engaging, interactive, pedestrian connection between their main downtown street, Bullard, and the Big Ditch Park. The project turned it into an interactive space with historic flood panels, murals and checkerboard designs, plus signage inviting free games like checkers and washers. Local artists infused cultural heritage into the artwork, creating a vibrant link between downtown and Big Ditch Park. "Our families have lived in Grant County since 1900. Our memories of them live on through our creations. We are beyond proud to have been a part of this project." one artist said, underscoring the personal stories woven into the transformation.
Project description was created using generative AI and then reviewed for accuracy.
Project description was created using generative AI and then reviewed for accuracy.
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See More Projects Like This One
Dade City, FL
AARP Community Challenge Grant Year: 2024
Project Category: Public space activation
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Klamath Falls, OR
AARP Community Challenge Grant Year: 2022
Project Category: Public space activation
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Logan, IA
AARP Community Challenge Grant Year: 2023
Project Category: Public space activation
Description: Older adults in Logan lacked safe outdoor spaces and reliable internet, often sitting on library steps to access Wi-Fi. The library addressed this by adding a covered gazebo, ADA-compliant picnic table and extended Wi-Fi outdoors. Volunteers, most age 50-plus, built seating and decorated the space, creating a welcoming area for gatherings. The project boosted visits and social engagement, with one resident mentioning that a project like this has long been overdue. Plans include adding solar charging stations and a community notice board to keep the momentum going.
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Silver City, NM
AARP Community Challenge Grant Year: 2019
Project Category: Roadway/sidewalks/crosswalk improvement
Description: Silver City Maitreet hoped to create a sense of place in Big Ditch Park while improving the pedestrian experience. To do this, the organization created a brightly colored artistic crosswalk designed to make people crossing the street more visible to drivers. The nonprofit also worked with volunteers to create two murals -- one depicting a mountain scene and another serving as a selfie wall. Project organizers report visitors frequently take photos at the selfie wall. They also say other communities have reached out for guidance on how to do their own placemaking projects. Silver City Maitreet has since identified two other streets for future activation.
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