Kamiah, ID

AARP Community Challenge Grant Year: 2018

Project Category: Public space activation

Description: To create a gathering place for their rural community and provide opportunities for social connection, the Carrot Ridge Volunteer Fire District equipped its red-sided, barn-like building with tables, chairs and small appliances. They then hosted a dinner to thank the many volunteers who donated time, land, building supplies and more to build the center during its construction. Since then, the center has hosted chili cook-offs, a community Thanksgiving event and barbeques for hundreds of residents.

Potlatch, ID

AARP Community Challenge Grant Year: 2021

Project Category: Public space activation

Description: In 1906, the Washington, Idaho and Montana Railway built the Potlatch Depot, which served as a warehouse to store excess freight and baggage. The Washington, Idaho and Montana Railway History Preservation Group hoped to offer visitors rides on speeders and rail cycles -- small vehicles that travel along the tracks, which railroad employees once used to inspect tracks and reach trains needing repairs. To do this, the group needed to expand into the depot's annex. They worked to renovate the building, stabilizing its foundation, replacing siding and removing interior walls and floor lumber. Project organizers hope the speeder rides will attract the public to the depot's museum and increase a sense of community pride.

Unionville, MO

AARP Community Challenge Grant Year: 2024

Project Category: Public space activation

Description: This project will upgrade an outdoor space at a senior center with patio dining sets and improved lighting. The center is located on a public square that is the site of a weekly farmers market and other community events.