Closter, NJ

AARP Community Challenge Grant Year: 2022

Project Category: Public space activation

Description: This project set out to connect a parking area with a lively commercial street. To do this, organizers transformed an underused alley into a pocket park. They outfitted the space with benches and landscaping. The space helps commuters and shoppers travel through Closter's downtown and doubles as a community gathering space.

Mobile, AL

AARP Community Challenge Grant Year: 2020

Project Category: Public space activation

Description: Organizers with Via Health, Fitness and Enrichment Center envisioned a community green space where Mobile residents of all ages can interact. This project added two gazebos to the space, providing visitors with shade. Project organizers also installed a bike rack and dog watering station onsite and volunteers constructed a raised garden bed for growing flowers, herbs and vegetables. Since the transformation, Midtown Meets has become a meetup spot for local walking and biking clubs, a space for college students to take study breaks and a place for older adults to socialize. In addition, a new volunteer group, called Midtown Neighbors, continues to meet to work in the community garden beds.

Arthurdale, WV

AARP Community Challenge Grant Year: 2024

Project Category: Public space activation

Description: This project will add outdoor amenities near several historic buildings dating to the 1930s. Improvements will include sidewalk repairs and the addition of benches, trash bins, a bike rack and a dog waste station.