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Town of Wolcott (2021) Print
2021 AARP Community Challenge Grantee
Project Category
Public places
└ Public space activation
└ Public space activation
The Town of Wolcott lacked greenspace for community members to enjoy, so the Town transformed an unused space behind the local library into a new park. Dubbed Depot Park, the space includes a community garden with raised beds, as well as a public trailhead. To draw people in, volunteers installed outdoor games, solar-powered lighting, seating and free Wi-Fi access. Organizers wanted to make the park a year-round amenity, so they included a patio heater and bonfire. Additionally, the local fire department created a temporary ice-skating rink onsite. After completing the activation, the Town hosted its first community event in decades at Depot Park. Today, the library holds children's reading circles there. Plus, community members can harvest vegetables for free from the garden.
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Port Orford, OR
AARP Community Challenge Grant Year: 2017
Project Category: Public space activation
Description: To revitalize Port Orford's downtown and make it more walkable, the City installed benches with built-in planters along Main Street. Sites chosen for the new benches included the local food co-op, a quilt shop and a Norwegian restaurant. A construction crew from a nearby correctional facility built four bench-planter combos. High school students made plaques to recognize the inmates for their work and AARP for funding the building supplies. After installation, the local arts council set up the community's traditional holiday crab-pot tree next to one of the benches and added festive decorations to its planter. Project organizers report downtown property owners are thrilled with the improvements and the City plans to continue adding seating to Main Street.
Brushton, NY
AARP Community Challenge Grant Year: 2023
Project Category: Public space activation
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Project description was created using generative AI and then reviewed for accuracy.
Gulfport, MS
AARP Community Challenge Grant Year: 2018
Project Category: Public space activation
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Nearby AARP Community Challenge Projects
Hyde Park, VT
AARP Community Challenge Grant Year: 2017
Project Category: Accessibility of amenities
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Greensboro, VT
AARP Community Challenge Grant Year: 2022
Project Category: Park enhancements
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Project description was created using generative AI and then reviewed for accuracy.
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