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Spark (2021) Print
2021 AARP Community Challenge Grantee
Project Category
Public places
└ Public space activation
└ Public space activation
Organizers with Spark thought an unused parking lot at the head of the North Omaha Trail had potential to be something more. So they set out to turn the site into a seed archive -- a building designed to store seeds for growing vegetables, flowers and other plants. Local artists decorated the new building and project organizers installed seating for the space. The seed archive supports the nearby Healthy Roots community garden, which provides fresh produce to local families. Additionally, the archive represents a win for biodiversity, since many of the seeds stored there will grow into plants native to Nebraska, including pollinator-friendly species.
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See More Projects Like This One
Halstead, KS
AARP Community Challenge Grant Year: 2023
Project Category: Public space activation
Description: This project will install benches, bench swings and concrete artwork to encourage intergenerational engagement and provide places for rest and conversation along walking paths and in a community garden.
St. Louis, MO
AARP Community Challenge Grant Year: 2022
Project Category: Public space activation
Description: This project was part of multi-year efforts to activate transit stations throughout the St. Louis region. Citizens for Modern Transit installed accessible seating, a UV-protective shade and a mural examining local history at the North Hanley Transit Center. Organizers hope the improvements spark economic development by creating a community gathering space and encouraging people to use public transit.
Chilton, WI
AARP Community Challenge Grant Year: 2021
Project Category: Public space activation
Description: The Chilton Public Library was looking to expand its reach beyond the walls of the library building. To give residents an intergenerational activity, library staff installed two bilingual story walks -- one at Chilton Elementary School and the other outside a local nature center. Additionally, the library created two portable story walks, which staff can set up at community events and playgrounds around Calumet County. The walks consist of several display stations installed along a trail or path. Library staff display storybook pages in each kiosk, allowing families to meander along the trail, piecing together the parts of the story as they go. A team of volunteers maintains the story walks, which display books in Spanish and English.
Nearby AARP Community Challenge Projects
Omaha, NE
AARP Community Challenge Grant Year: 2022
Project Category: Park enhancements
Description: As part of efforts to revitalize a vacant building in Upland Park, this project made accessibility upgrades nearby. Project organizers installed a new walking path and accessible seating onsite. To beautify the space, volunteers worked to create public art. Additionally, this project replaced temporary garden beds with permanent raised-bed planters, which allow people to garden without having to squat down -- making the activity possible for people of all ages and abilities.
Omaha, NE
AARP Community Challenge Grant Year: 2018
Project Category: Community Gardens
Description: To activate a city-owned vacant lot in North Omaha, the City of Omaha installed accessible planters -- built by a local community gardening organization -- that accommodate gardening from a standing or sitting position. A local artist worked with local elementary school children, helping them create murals depicting their aspirations. In addition, the project included a community chalk wall, where residents can leave inspiring messages. To improve a nearby bus stop, the City purchased installed benches. The art and new outdoor furnishings were in pace in time for a fall festival at the site, which organizers hope will occur annually.
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