West Memphis, AR

AARP Community Challenge Grant Year: 2019

Project Category: Public space activation

Description: The town of West Memphis hoped to promote community connections, cycling and walking. To achieve this, the town set up three parklets in its Main Street District, located near an expanded bike trail that links West Memphis with neighboring Memphis, Tennessee. Parklets -- mini street oases created in the footprint of a parking space -- provide places to sit, talk and gather. The West Memphis parklets each feature LED lighting and public art. Sculptures created from donated bicycles distinguish two of the parklets. The other parklet features new wooden benches and an oversized sculpture of a guitar, meant to pay homage to the town's musical heritage.

Neillsville, WI

AARP Community Challenge Grant Year: 2025

Project Category: Public space activation

Description: This project will transform a brushy area next to the community walking trail into a creekside greenspace with an accessible picnic table, bench, and pathway. Volunteers will clear brush and install ADA-compliant amenities.

Wheeling, WV

AARP Community Challenge Grant Year: 2023

Project Category: Public space activation

Description: This project will create a pocket park in downtown Wheeling that will feature outdoor art, chess tables and chairs in an ADA-compliant public space.