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Venture Richmond (2021) Print
2021 AARP Community Challenge Grantee
Project Category
Public places
└ Public space activation
└ Public space activation
To increase residents' access to outdoor greenspace and bolster the local economy, Richmond Venture created the Brooklyn Park Boulevard parklet. Located in a primarily Black-owned business corridor, the mini-park sites in the footprint of an on-street parking space. Volunteers outfitted the space with seating and tables, giving visitors a place to relax and socialize. Organizers say the space encourages residents to purchase food and beverages from nearby restaurants, which they can eat onsite. To encourage people to visit, Venture Richmond also installed a bike rack nearby.
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Charlotte, NC
AARP Community Challenge Grant Year: 2018
Project Category: Public space activation
Description: Before the advent of air conditioning, a Southern home was not complete without a front porch with a swing. To replicate the experience of gathering on a porch, the City of Charlotte installed swings at two bus stops in place of the more traditional bench. Located along Belmont Avenue -- a corridor where many older adults rely on public transportation -- the two-person swings provide a space for riders to socialize as they wait for their bus. Inspired by the popularity of the swings, the City is exploring other opportunities for placemaking around local bus stops.
Roundup, MT
AARP Community Challenge Grant Year: 2021
Project Category: Public space activation
Description: The large public space in the Roundup's downtown lacked accessible seating. As part of its historic preservation and economic development work, Roundup Community Partners added picnic tables and benches to the plaza. The new seating is designed to be accessible for visitors of all ages and abilities. The plaza sits on the town's Main Street and project organizers hope the seating helps incentivize residents and visitors to shop and eat downtown. "Thanks to our local leaders and AARP, Roundup's Welcome Plaza is a dynamic hub for the community that increases local commerce, strengthens local pride, and broadens awareness of Roundup's history," Roundup Mayor Sandra Jones said of the project.
Lemmon, SD
AARP Community Challenge Grant Year: 2024
Project Category: Public space activation
Description: Older adults in Lemmon lacked accessible spaces to rest or gather, and the Palace Theater offered no easy entry for those with mobility challenges. To address this, the arts council installed a movable parklet with seating and a ramp, creating a welcoming spot for walkers and hosting monthly arts events like wool-spinning workshops and live music during the town celebration. The project proved the value of public gathering spaces, sparking plans for permanent bump-outs and green space.
Nearby AARP Community Challenge Projects
Richmond, VA
AARP Community Challenge Grant Year: 2025
Project Category: Pedestrian Safety
Description: This project will install a modular bus platform and curb extensions on 2nd Street in Richmonds Jackson Ward to improve safety and accessibility.
Richmond, VA
AARP Community Challenge Grant Year: 2019
Project Category: Public or private transit access
Description: To make waiting for the bus more comfortable and accessible for residents of the Northside neighborhood, Storefront for Community Design installed six benches. The organization partnered with Northside Strong, a coalition of community groups and local nonprofits, as well as environmental group Groundwork RVA. To determine the best locations for the benches, Northside Strong conducted a study and held public engagement sessions, which more than 200 residents attended. Project organizers then hosted multigenerational events where residents designed, painted and installed the benches. They offered stipends to 44 low-income community members for their time, labor and expertise throughout the project. Organizers with Storefront for Community Design say the community-wide collaboration shows the necessity of providing amenities, such as benches, for Richmond residents.
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