West Fargo, ND

AARP Community Challenge Grant Year: 2019

Project Category: Public space activation

Description: As part of efforts to attract visitors to its downtown, the City of West Fargo hoped to turn its POW/MIA Plaza on Sheyenne Street into a gathering space. To do this, the City purchased game tables for a previously underused portion of the plaza. This project helped demonstratethe importance of creating opportunities for fun and safe activities in the city's new and improved downtown area, City Planner Malachi Petersen said. It is our hope that this project will lead to future projects which encourage walkability and active lifestyles in our community. Today the plaza hosts community events, including a farmers market. Project organizers hope to replicate the games in other parts of West Fargo in the future.

Central Falls, RI

AARP Community Challenge Grant Year: 2021

Project Category: Public space activation

Description: Progreso Latino hoped to make better use of its limited outdoor space, expand its program offerings and help combat social isolation among older adults. The organization -- which serves Latino/a elders -- built a community pavilion in the heart of Central Falls to serve as a safe, outdoor gathering space. Organizers outfitted the space with tables and chairs and installed bollards to protect it from vehicle traffic. The pavilion's significance as a community space increased when Central Falls' only other senior center closed. Today the space hosts Zumba classes, walking groups, performances and vaccine clinics.

Richford, VT

AARP Community Challenge Grant Year: 2024

Project Category: Public space activation

Description: This project will support efforts to create a welcome center at a downtown outdoor space. The new space will feature seating, raised garden beds and a community food pantry, which will offer residents free produce grown onsite.