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Wellsburg Urban Renewal Authority with Brooke County AARP (2022) Print
2022 AARP Community Challenge Grantee
Project Category
Public places
└ Public space activation
└ Public space activation
Wellsburgs Town Square was underused and unsafe for older adults due to uneven brick pavers and limited seating. The project restored 9,000 square feet of pavers, added tables and chairs including an ADA-accessible option and installed murals to brighten vacant storefronts. These upgrades made the space safer and more inviting for daily use and events, such as a childrens' Halloween party. The improvements even sparked interest from a developer to revitalize nearby buildings, signaling long-term impact.
Project description was created using generative AI and then reviewed for accuracy.
Project description was created using generative AI and then reviewed for accuracy.
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See More Projects Like This One
Springfield, OH
AARP Community Challenge Grant Year: 2020
Project Category: Public space activation
Description: As part of wider corridor improvement efforts, the 1159 Southwest Community Development Corporation activated three vacant lots, transforming them into a public gathering space dubbed Grand Harmony. Volunteers installed porch swings, picnic tables, benches and a new grill at the site. They also added LED lighting and a storage shed. Project organizers say Grand Harmony's success has opened doors for other revitalization efforts. In December 2020, a local foundation provided 1159 South Community Development Corporation with funding to activate a nearby vacant lot into an inspiration garden.
Arthurdale, WV
AARP Community Challenge Grant Year: 2024
Project Category: Public space activation
Description: On Arthurdale's historic 23-acre campus, uneven sidewalks and a lack of outdoor amenities made visits difficult for older adults and others seeking safe, accessible spaces. The project replaced a hazardous 75-foot sidewalk and added benches, trash bins, a dog waste station and a bike rack. New landscaping to beautify the grounds was also created. These improvements have made the site safer and more inviting, encouraging residents to use it for recreation and events. Community feedback has been overwhelmingly positive, and plans are underway for expanded sidewalks and new programs for older adults.
Project description was created using generative AI and then reviewed for accuracy.
Gulfport, MS
AARP Community Challenge Grant Year: 2018
Project Category: Public space activation
Description: The City of Gulfport hoped to create a venue for educational programming, giving residents the opportunity to learn in nature. To do this, they installed a pavilion to be used as an outdoor classroom. The space serves local schools, as well as members of the wider community. Since installation, the City has worked to complete a nature trail system onsite.
Nearby AARP Community Challenge Projects
Wellsburg, WV
AARP Community Challenge Grant Year: 2022
Project Category: Park enhancements
Description: Wellsburg's parks offered few options for older adults, and pickleball's growing popularity highlighted the lack of courts and seating. The project added two new courts, ADA-compliant picnic tables and a memo board, creating a more inclusive space for play and socializing. These upgrades reduced wait times and sparked new partnerships and plans for tournaments. One longtime player said, "Before, we had to drag big wooden picnic tables... Now, we have the luxury of having our own tables!"
Project description was created using generative AI and then reviewed for accuracy.
Wheeling, WV
AARP Community Challenge Grant Year: 2024
Project Category: Community Gardens
Description: Warwood lacked a safe, accessible space for growing food and connecting neighbors, leaving older adults with few options for activity and healthy eating. Volunteers transformed a vacant lot into the Loveland Community Garden with 20 raised beds, a storage shed, fencing and benches designed for accessibility. Level paths and recycled-plastic benches made gardening possible for those with mobility challenges. The garden now fosters intergenerational ties, with older adults sharing tips and students forming clubs. Plans for workshops and selling excess crops at local markets promise lasting community engagement.
Project description was created using generative AI and then reviewed for accuracy.
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