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West Chester Public Library (2022) Print
2022 AARP Community Challenge Grantee
Project Category
Public places
└ Public space activation
└ Public space activation
The West Chester library's terrace was an empty walkway, leaving older adults without a safe outdoor space to read, socialize or access Wi-Fi. The project installed three permanent tables with seating, including an ADA-accessible option, added umbrellas for shade and a security camera for safety. The terrace now hosts programs and casual gatherings, expanding the librarys footprint. One ukulele club member said, "Finally, this beautiful terrace can be enjoyed!"
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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Durbin, WV
AARP Community Challenge Grant Year: 2022
Project Category: Public space activation
Description: Durbin faced unsafe walking conditions after dark, with steep roads and few sidewalks, discouraging outdoor activity for older adults. To address this, the town repaired a hazardous stairway to Main Street, added benches throughout town, installed a wheelchair-accessible picnic table and placed ADA-compliant trash receptacles. These improvements made public spaces safer and more inviting, encouraging residents to walk and gather. A former mayor noted appreciation for the safer stairway, saying it showed the community that "someone does care" and sparked hope for continued revitalization.
Project description was created using generative AI and then reviewed for accuracy.
San Diego, CA
AARP Community Challenge Grant Year: 2018
Project Category: Public space activation
Description: Part of Vision Zero work to reduce pedestrian fatalities, City Heights CDC worked to create a sense of space and improve safety at a dangerous intersection. The City Heights neighborhood is an enclave for refugees from Somalia and other East African countries. Residents -- particularly those 50 or older -- often gather in parking lots and on sidewalks at the busy area along University Avenue, which home to shops, markets and mosques. This placemaking project created a safe gathering space, separated from vehicle traffic. Working with residents' input, the CDC designed the space to reflect the neighborhood's culture. They installed seating, planter and tables with board game tops and painted a mural onsite. Organizers say the space helps combat social isolation and is a catalyst for investment in the neighborhood.
Cut Bank, MT
AARP Community Challenge Grant Year: 2025
Project Category: Public space activation
Description: This project will create a 1.4-mile paved, ADA-compliant path connecting the City of Cut Bank to the School Districts Sports Complex and Glacier Historical Museum. It aims to provide a safe walking route for pedestrians.
Nearby AARP Community Challenge Projects
Malvern, PA
AARP Community Challenge Grant Year: 2019
Project Category: Public or private transit access
Description: Officials with the Transportation Management Association of Chester County were concerned that signs at bus stops, as well as printed and online bus schedules, were difficult to use for older adults because of small text size or internet literacy issues. To solve this, TMACC created 15 large-print, bilingual signs and displayed them at popular bus stops. Two fixed-route bus lines serve the suburban and rural areas of northern and western Chester County, operating six days a week. This is the area's only public transportation, and many have no other way to and from work, appointments and shopping. Older adults are the system's largest ridership segment, since many do not drive and live in suburban retirement or assisted living communities. Plus, older adults can ride the bus for free.
Kennett Square, PA
AARP Community Challenge Grant Year: 2020
Project Category: Public space activation
Description: With the goal of supporting small businesses downtown, this project created the first parklet in Kennett Square. Before installing the mini-park, only one side of the borough's main street featured wide sidewalks and could be closed to vehicles on the weekends. Project organizers hoped to expand the space available for outdoor dining and gathering. To do this, the Historic Kennett Square repurposed three on-street parking spaces, installing deck flooring, adding overhead string lights and setting out picnic tables and planters. Four restaurants -- two coffee shops and two restaurants -- used the space. Volunteers designed the parklet be torn down ahead of the winter months and set back up in the spring. Project organizers say the parklet helped demonstrate the value of placemaking projects.
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