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Iceland's Water Cure

Dan Kois

April 19, 2016 |

The New York Times Magazine |

Text |

1500-3000 Words

Response Location: Iceland, Reykjavík, Capital Region

Despite being an island of seamen, Iceland used to experience high numbers of drownings every year, fostering a keen interest in swimming education. The government stepped up and tapped into the underground hot water generated by Iceland’s volcanic activity to create geothermal pools, which quickly became more than a humble municipal investment, but perhaps the very secret to the country’s happiness. Every town now enjoys communal pools, which create a neutral, recreational space that brings all manner of people together.

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Meet the Scraper Bike Team of East Oakland

Benjamin Michel

March 30, 2016 |

KQED |

Video |

3-5 Minutes

Response Location: United States, Oakland, California

In Oakland, California, a group of elementary and middle school-aged kids have banded together to ride bikes together as a way to stay out of trouble. Although the practice has a positive influence on the kid's physical health, and is good for the environment, it is also positively impacts the student's academics since a the "team" requires a certain grade point average as well.

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Architects Deploy Traffic Barrels to Make U.S.-Mexico Connection

Gregory Scruggs

January 19, 2016 |

Next City |

Text |

800-1500 Words

Response Location: United States, El Paso, Texas

Art installations create spaces that can bring together members of diverse communities. Using the motif of urban design on the US-Mexico border, professors at Texas Tech in El Paso created an installation that also served as a community event. The “Flash Installation” existed for only a day, but in that time the project brought together student volunteers, community partners, nonprofits, and local businesses.

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How America's Top Junk-Food City Went on a Diet (and Fattened Its Economy)

Arthur Allen

December 17, 2015 |

Politico |

Text |

Over 3000 Words

Response Location: United States, Oklahoma City, Oklahoma

Reducing obesity relies not only on personal choices, but also systemic changes. In Oklahoma City, Oklahoma, the city’s anti-obesity campaign enrolls individuals and city planners in an inclusive effort to focus on wellness and change the built landscape. Going beyond education and outreach, the city’s plan also includes creating new spaces for riverside recreation, more sidewalks, and paths. Challenges remain, however, as the city navigates its cooperate relationships while trying to prioritize community health.

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One-Stop Coding & Job Shop

Robert Digiacomo

December 14, 2015 |

The Philadelphia Citizen |

Text |

800-1500 Words

Response Location: United States, Detroit, Michigan

An inner city Detroit program places 90 percent of graduates in well-paying tech jobs by teaching them how to code. It may serve as a viable path for Philadelphia citizens, as well.

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Parklets Are Great, But Big Parks Pack a Big Punch

Cassie Owens

September 01, 2015 |

Next City |

Text |

Under 800 Words

Response Location: United Kingdom, Exeter

Larger green spaces may be critical to a city, as they can support more complete ecosystems. In contrast to smaller "parklets," large parks paired with high-density neighborhoods allow for healthier cities.

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Outdoor Afro: Busting Stereotypes That Black People Don't Hike Or Camp

Shereen Marisol Meraji

July 12, 2015 |

NPR |

Multi-Media |

800-1500 Words

Response Location: United States, Oakland, California

In 2009, a woman in Oakland, California realized that there was a lack of African Americans in the outdoors. Tired of being the "only one," she created an online social space via blogging and Facebook called Outdoor Afro to connect African-Americans with other African-Americans that wanted to enhance their time in nature. Six years later, this group has grown to international status with 7,000 members and 30 trained leaders that join together to get out in nature.

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Why DIY Public Spaces Are Starting to Take Off in Turkey

Jennifer Hattam

February 10, 2015 |

Bloomberg CityLab |

Text |

Under 800 Words

Response Location: Turkey, İzmir

An absence of public infrastructure and park space hasn't stopped the people of Izmir, Turkey from gathering in and enjoying the outdoors. Now a few clever and creative individuals are helping teach their communities to reclaim public spaces, sharing designs for recycling materials to build things like benches or docks for all to enjoy.

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What Big-City Museums Could Learn From This “Company Town” for Art

Gregory Scruggs

December 18, 2014 |

Next City |

Text |

800-1500 Words

Response Location: United States, North Adams, Massachusetts

The Massachusetts Museum of Contemporary Art (MASS MoCA) uses an innovative business model to stay afloat, relying on both internal and external projects and revenue streams to make a change in the North Adams community. The museum displays contemporary art but also has invested in property around the city, renting to local businesses and encouraging visitors to take notice in their creative projects inside and outside the museum walls.

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How to Attract Artists to a Down-and-Out Neighborhood

John Tierney

October 10, 2014 |

The Atlantic |

Text |

1500-3000 Words

Response Location: United States, Columbus, Ohio

Public-private collaborations can promote entrepreneurship and foster economic revitalization. In the Franklinton neighborhood of Columbus, Ohio, partnerships between the city of Columbus, the Franklinton Development Association (FDA), and local businesses have led to a flourishing of artist studios, maker spaces, and other community attractions. The initiatives were funded in part by grants from ArtPlace America as well as the city of Columbus.

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