District Heights, MD

AARP Community Challenge Grant Year: 2018

Project Category: Public space activation

Description: The City of District Heights set out to add deck furniture to an outdoor patio at its Youth Services Bureau. The City uses the space for public gatherings, as well as fundraisers and other activities for people of all ages. Additionally, the City hopes older adults will use the peaceful patio for meditation and reflection. To ensure the new seating meets the community's needs, they hosted an event with the local AARP chapter to get older adults' opinions on furniture options. Based on that feedback, they purchased new tables and chairs for the deck.

Morrilton, AR

AARP Community Challenge Grant Year: 2018

Project Category: Public space activation

Description: With the addition of several new hammocks near Morrilton's nature trail and park, the Parks and Recreation Department provided a place for all ages to pause, lean back and relax. According to the City, the installation has led drivers to slow down to look at the hammock farm, with some visitors trying out hammocks for the first time.

Hebron, CT

AARP Community Challenge Grant Year: 2018

Project Category: Public space activation

Description: The Town Center Project wanted to revitalize Hebron's village green and create the kind of downtown people want to visit. To do this, they invited residents to Take a Seat in a dozen hand-painted Adirondack chairs installed in the historic village center. Local artists entered a competition to design the seating, which volunteers assembled. Each wood-slatted chair has its own look, ranging from African-themed designs to an under-the-sea concept. The village stores over the winter to protect them from snow, bringing them out every spring for residents and visitors to enjoy.