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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
Gallatin, MO
AARP Community Challenge Grant Year: 2024
Project Category: Public space activation
Description: Gallatins Main Street lacked safe, accessible spaces, leaving older adults at risk on poorly lit sidewalks and struggling with a hard-to-use entrance. The center addressed this by installing dusk-to-dawn LED lighting at its storefront and alley, adding a commercial door with ADA-compliant features and placing a weather-resistant bench and table set for outdoor socializing. These upgrades improved safety, accessibility and community engagement while modernizing the buildings appearance. One participant said the new door is "not only aesthetically pleasing, it is safer for us."
Project description was created using generative AI and then reviewed for accuracy.
Portland, ME
AARP Community Challenge Grant Year: 2021
Project Category: Public space activation
Description: Portland's central business district has a number of neglected alleyways and streetcorners. To make walking though downtown easier -- and to attract pedestrians to local businesses -- Portland Downtown activated these spaces. They enlisted residents of an assisted living facility created murals on old doors. They also brightened up two alleys with overhead lighting. Organizers say the project improved safety, created art and engaged local businesses, all while making once-derelict areas more welcoming.
Gastonia, NC
AARP Community Challenge Grant Year: 2020
Project Category: Public space activation
Description: The Gaston County Department of Health and Human Services beautified a public space near Gastonia's Schiele Museum and the town's library. To encourage residents to get out and walk, the Department added a sidewalk mural at the library, which depicts astronauts on a spacewalk. Museum staff installed an outdoor exhibit about the Solar System. In addition, project organizers commissioned a local metalworks shop to create benches with a celestial theme. Other placemaking enhancements included adding planters and new graphic designs to adorn the nearby transit shelter, as well an amenity map display to help visitors locate nearby trails and greenspace.
Nearby AARP Community Challenge Projects
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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