Wilmington, DE

AARP Community Challenge Grant Year: 2019

Project Category: Public space activation

Description: 1225 D Street was an abandoned lot overrun with weeds, errant trees and debris. Y Innovations planned to create a green space and community garden there, but first the area had to be cleared. Organizers began by removing garbage that had been dumped in the spot, as well as dead tree limbs, many feet of dilapidated fencing and three vacant sheds. The organization then added new fencing, making the space ready for the next phase of the project.

Hebron, CT

AARP Community Challenge Grant Year: 2018

Project Category: Public space activation

Description: The Town Center Project wanted to revitalize Hebron's village green and create the kind of downtown people want to visit. To do this, they invited residents to Take a Seat in a dozen hand-painted Adirondack chairs installed in the historic village center. Local artists entered a competition to design the seating, which volunteers assembled. Each wood-slatted chair has its own look, ranging from African-themed designs to an under-the-sea concept. The village stores over the winter to protect them from snow, bringing them out every spring for residents and visitors to enjoy.

Morrilton, AR

AARP Community Challenge Grant Year: 2018

Project Category: Public space activation

Description: With the addition of several new hammocks near Morrilton's nature trail and park, the Parks and Recreation Department provided a place for all ages to pause, lean back and relax. According to the City, the installation has led drivers to slow down to look at the hammock farm, with some visitors trying out hammocks for the first time.