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South Dakota State University Extension (2021) Print
2021 AARP Community Challenge Grantee
Project Category
Public places
└ Public space activation
└ Public space activation
A pocket park and community garden in Martin had fallen into disrepair, but organizers with South Dakota State University Extension hoped to breathe new life into the space. They engaged volunteers to paint the Hope Garden's pergola and remove broken picnic tables, replacing them with new, accessible tables. Additionally, they repaired the garden's drip irrigation system, installed a trash can and added a portable handwashing station. A local artist also painted a mural onsite and new solar lights make the mini-park feel safter at night. Project organizers say the Hope Garden will offer a space for community events and educational offerings. They say improvements to the site helped make the space more sustainable and welcoming to community members.
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Manning, IA
AARP Community Challenge Grant Year: 2018
Project Category: Public space activation
Description: Organizers with Manning Main Street hoped to encourage visitors to Manning's vibrant downtown to congregate and socialize. To create an inviting environment, they installed twelve artistic lights along Main Street. Local artisans created the lights, which are comprised of panels featuring cutouts depicting local landmarks, including the town's water tower, trestle bridge and historic Lutheran church. The additional illumination also enhances safety in the area. In the years since, Main Street Manning has focused on streetscaping and has added more art installations downtown.
Orleans Parish, LA
AARP Community Challenge Grant Year: 2020
Project Category: Public space activation
Description: This project set out to improve New Orleans' St. Roch neighborhood by replacing an underused area with green spacce. Organizers hoped to provide a spot for people of all ages to socialize outdoors and care for a green space. In addition to giving the community a safe place to gather, the space is meant to give residents access to fruit and nut trees.
Conyers, GA
AARP Community Challenge Grant Year: 2021
Project Category: Public space activation
Description: The grounds of the Conyers-Rockdale Library offer locals an attractive, relaxing place to work remotely and enjoy the area's natural surroundings. Through its Birds, Benches and Blooms project, the library installed brightly colored benches around the grounds, including one on the Olde Town Conyers Trail, a well-traveled bicycle and pedestrian path. Project organizers also installed hand-crafted wooden bird feeders with live stream cameras, allowing residents to watch birds in person and from home. Additionally, the library bought two weather-protected corkboards to display community announcements.
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Brookings, SD
AARP Community Challenge Grant Year: 2026
Project Category: Accessibility of amenities
Description: The project will rebuild restrooms in a downtown building to create fully accessible, clearly signed public restrooms. The improved facilities will provide residents and visitors with a safe, comfortable option while spending time in the city center.
Brookings, SD
AARP Community Challenge Grant Year: 2025
Project Category: Pedestrian Safety
Description: Downtown Brookings faced unsafe intersections where fast traffic and poor visibility made it difficult for older adults to cross between parking, housing and key community spaces. The project installed high-visibility crosswalks, painted bump-outs and center-of-street signs that slowed turning vehicles and clarified right-of-way. Volunteers helped paint the designs, strengthening community ownership while creating clearer, more predictable crossings. Residents soon reported that cars slowed or stopped more often, making daily trips feel safer. The changes also encouraged people to walk more and use nearby destinations with greater confidence. These improvements are expected to guide future investments, from long-lasting materials to potential redesigns as the area evolves. Personal stories from residents highlighted how the project made it easier for older adults and families to navigate downtown, showing how simple safety upgrades can create lasting benefits.
Project description was created using generative AI and then reviewed for accuracy.
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