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Ellsworth, WI
AARP Community Challenge Grant Year: 2019
Project Category: Public space activation
Description: Ellsworth's once-bustling East End corridor had declined over several decades, with a 60 percent vacancy rate along Broadway Street. The Local Chamber of Commerce hoped to see the neighborhood rise again as a pedestrian-friendly, mixed-use area. To promote its vision, the Chamber commissioned six murals celebrating local agricultural history. They also put up light pole banners and window clings with branding for the neighborhood and added benches, bistro tables and hanging planter baskets along Broadway Street. The Chamber then staged a historical walking tour, which garnered local news coverage and spurred the County historical association to consider designating the East End as an official historic district. In conjunction with these placemaking efforts, the Chamber launched a pop-up program for small businesses opening in the East End. Following that initiative, two of the participating decided to operate permanently in the neighborhood.
Old Orchard Beach, ME
AARP Community Challenge Grant Year: 2019
Project Category: Public space activation
Description: Old Orchard Beach Community Friendly Connection reenergized a neighborhood block, organizing residents to clean up, restore and refresh the Washington Avenue District and Atlantic Courts Park. A sidewalk and crosswalk painting project brightened the area and encouraged locals to walk. To improve public safety, the town also worked with the local cable and electric companies to mount a security camera near the park's basketball court and convert the court's lighting to LED. After the project was complete, about 250 people attended a block party to celebrate, with residents voting to rename the area Washington Square. Nearby businesses and community groups have ridden the momentum and made improvements to their properties as well. Those living in the neighborhood report they walk through the area more often since the transformation.
West Chester, PA
AARP Community Challenge Grant Year: 2022
Project Category: Public space activation
Description: This project installed ADA-compliant seating and tables, plus a security camera, to an underused terrace outside the library.
Nearby AARP Community Challenge Projects
Wheeling, WV
AARP Community Challenge Grant Year: 2024
Project Category: Community Gardens
Description: This project will convert a vacant space near older adult housing and a retirement community into a new community garden. The garden will include raised beds for growing fruits, vegetables, herbs and flowers.
Wellsburg, WV
AARP Community Challenge Grant Year: 2022
Project Category: Park enhancements
Description: To support community health and wellness, this project resurfaced two new pickleball courts and enhanced the area with new fencing, paddle racks and a bulletin board to post tournament results.
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