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Town of Berlin with Berlin Main Street (2018) Print
2018 AARP Community Challenge Grantee
Project Category
Public places
└ Public space activation
└ Public space activation
To give people a place to sit, rest and enjoy a meal, the Town of Berlin purchased tables and seating. The Town sets up the outdoor furniture during events on Main Street. The new amenities also make downtown more accessible, since older adults and people with mobility challenges have a space to rest. Since the improvements, project organizers say residents no longer need to sit on the curb as they eat their lunch.
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See More Projects Like This One
Farmington, NM
AARP Community Challenge Grant Year: 2019
Project Category: Public space activation
Description: This project activated a breezeway in downtown Farmington. The city-owned space was long unused -- it sits in the footprint of a building that burned to the ground in 1914. But since it conveniently connects a parking lot to the town's Main Street, project organizers saw its potential as a convenient passthrough and gathering space. By installing solar-powered string lights, setting out seating and tables and creating a mural on an adjacent building, the City created a pocket park. The city plans to continue to add to the space, creating more seating out of wood from a beloved blue spruce that died and installing raised planter beds. Organizers say they also envision bringing community activities to the pocket park.
Clarkesville, GA
AARP Community Challenge Grant Year: 2023
Project Category: Public space activation
Description: This project will install a StoryWalk which will allows families to go from one post to another while reading pages of a story together. It will provide parents and grandparents a way to introduce children to reading while getting exercise.
McAlester, OK
AARP Community Challenge Grant Year: 2019
Project Category: Public space activation
Description: By activating an underutilized parking lot, the City of McAlester gave residents access to green space in the heart of its historic downtown. Before opening the new park, the City prepared the site, clearing concrete, replacing soil and resolving stormwater drainage issues. Dubbed Arvest Park, amenities there include accessible sidewalks, food truck hookups, bike posts, tables with seating and a water fountain. Project organizers say the park filled a need for gathering space within a commercial area and helps support local businesses. The site often accommodates pop-up business and locals use the green space to gather for lunch and meet up for shopping or errands.
Nearby AARP Community Challenge Projects
Georgetown, DE
AARP Community Challenge Grant Year: 2022
Project Category: Public spaces improvements to increase high-speed internet availability
Description: This project created a computer lab for use by library patrons. It also functions as a classroom for computer lessons.
Seaford, DE
AARP Community Challenge Grant Year: 2023
Project Category: Community Gardens
Description: The project will expand community gardens and raise vegetables for consumption by residents. The program waives seasonal fees for local veterans, most of whom are aged 50.
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