2020 AARP Community Challenge Grant

Springfield, Ohio, August 20, 2020 — Springfield, Ohio, Aug. 20, 2020 – Less than two weeks after its anniversary groundbreaking for the Yellow Springs Street Rising! program to improve southwest Springfield’s main corridor, 1159 South Community Development Corporation is thrilled to announce we have been selected to receive an AARP Community Challenge grant to activate three vacant lots on the main corridor into a new community space.  Out of 2,800 organizations that applied, 1159 South is one of only 184 grantees selected from across all 50 states, Washington D.C, Puerto Rico and the U.S. Virgin Islands.

This grant is critically important to show how a quick action project in a previously neglected area can be transformative for the community.  AARP, like 1159 South, believes that “quick actions” can be the spark for long-term progress.  “We are incredibly proud that AARP selected 1159 South to receive this grant,” stated board member Neal Browning.  “AARP is a nationwide leader on making neighborhoods, towns, and cities more livable for all residents and we are honored that they see the tangible value this project will bring to our community.”

The grant provides $10,450 for 1159 South to activate three vacant lots at a high-visibility intersection on the main corridor into a vibrant community space known as Grand Harmony. With the help of Sanford Lawn Care and several volunteers, overseen by Mr. Browning and Lawrence Beavers, 1159 South installed landscaping at the project’s site in early August.  This grant will bring the space to life!  It funds the project’s centerpiece – two bright sunny porch swings called the Yellow Swings on Yellow Springs designed to energize the corridor and provide an inviting space for residents of all ages to enjoy.  The grant also funds an ADA-compliant picnic table with benches, a community-sized grill, a shed, lighting and other elements.  Through AARP’s support, these former vacant-lot eyesores will soon become the community’s front porch, backyard, and happy place.

About the Community Challenge

The Community Challenge funds innovative projects that inspire change in areas such as transportation, public spaces, housing, smart cities, civic engagement, coronavirus response and more.

It’s all part of AARP’s nationwide work on livable communities, which supports the efforts of neighborhoods, towns, cities and counties across the country to become great places for all residents. AARP believes that communities should provide safe, walkable streets; affordable and accessible housing and transportation options; access to needed services; and opportunities for residents to participate in community life.

To learn more about the work being funded by the AARP Community Challenge across the nation – including all 184 granted projects this year, visit aarp.org/CommunityChallenge. You can also view an interactive map of all Community Challenge projects and AARP’s livable communities work at aarp.org/livable.