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Sisseton, SD
AARP Community Challenge Grant Year: 2020
Project Category: Public space activation
Description: To encourage residents to walk and increase the vibrancy of Sisseton's downtown, The Sisseton Arts Council created a new community gathering spot, which they dubbed the Midway Green Space. The site features a sculpture of a reflective, eight-point star, designed to represent the area's native Dakota and Scandinavian immigrant heritage. To make the Green Space inviting to visitors, volunteers installed granite benches and seeded native grasses. Since these improvements, project organizers secured funding for a second sculpture for the site, created by a local Native artist.
Clyde, KS
AARP Community Challenge Grant Year: 2024
Project Category: Public space activation
Description: The city will create a new greenspace in the heart of Clyde's downtown. The gathering place will include seating, an accessible stage and the town's only public restrooms. Other improvements will include new signage and lighting.
Jackson, MS
AARP Community Challenge Grant Year: 2018
Project Category: Public space activation
Description: The City of Jackson set out to demonstrate the value of vibrant public spaces. This project was part of larger open streets efforts, which close streets to vehicle traffic residents to gather, walk and play there. First, the City created a parklet on Congress Street downtown. The temporary mini-park fit in the footprint of an on-street parking space. The City outfitted the space with outdoor furniture, allowing residents to relax and socialize. Organizers say the parklet also drove business to local restaurants, providing outdoor dining space for customers. To gauge residents' reaction to the space, the City conducted a survey during the pop-up. The City has since worked to develop guidelines for parklet creation, allowing local businesses to set up their own outdoor spaces.
Nearby AARP Community Challenge Projects
Menlo Park, CA
AARP Community Challenge Grant Year: 2022
Project Category: Expansion and enhancement of transportation options
Description: This project expanded a program providing reduced-cost rides for older adults via ride-hailing services into the northern reaches of San Mateo County.
Santa Cruz, CA
AARP Community Challenge Grant Year: 2025
Project Category: HomeFit Modifications
Description: This project will offer six free workshops to teach older adults how to make their homes safer. Volunteers will also promote a program which provides free grab bars and home safety modifications.
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