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Philadelphia, PA
AARP Community Challenge Grant Year: 2025
Project Category: Walk Audits
Description: Uneven sidewalks, obstructed curb ramps and short crossing times on Girard Avenue limited safe travel for older adults and people with mobility challenges. Two community-led walk audits engaged more than 20 participants and produced a report with recommendations on curb ramp repairs, clearer crosswalk markings and better signal timing. The process strengthened ties with city agencies and made officials more responsive to unified community input. A near-miss when a driver ran a light underscored urgency and helped build support for long-term corridor improvements.
Project description was created using generative AI and then reviewed for accuracy.
Shreve, OH
AARP Community Challenge Grant Year: 2024
Project Category: Walk Audits
Description: Cracked and uneven sidewalks made walking unsafe near parks, the library and downtown, limiting mobility for older adults and families. The village organized walk audits with residents and shared findings at a community meeting. It then launched the Sidewalk Improvement Partnership Program, pairing homeowners with the village for repairs. The initiative sparked council involvement and set priorities for phased upgrades, creating a path toward safer, more walkable streets. As one volunteer noted, "I had never fully recognized the challenging experience it could be for elderly individuals, people with disabilities, or those with baby strollers."
Project description was created using generative AI and then reviewed for accuracy.
Albany, NY
AARP Community Challenge Grant Year: 2025
Project Category: Walk Audits
Description: Central Avenue had a long record of severe crashes, making daily walking hazardous for older adults relying on the corridor for basic needs. Capital Streets led walk audits that documented long crossing distances, limited signals and infrastructure that made navigating the road stressful. They brought partners to see conditions firsthand and shared results through a report and public event to build pressure for stronger improvements in the coming redesign. The project energized community advocacy and set the stage for sustained work on safer crossings and signals for older adults.
Project description was created using generative AI and then reviewed for accuracy.
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Providence, RI
AARP Community Challenge Grant Year: 2023
Project Category: Engaging people in transportation options/safety
Description: Older adults in Providence faced unsafe streets and long delays for repairs, limiting mobility in neighborhoods with high crash rates. The coalition launched six Walk, Talk & Chalk events where residents and civic leaders walked routes, marked hazards with chalk and shared meals to build trust. These gatherings captured real-time feedback on sidewalks and curb ramps and strengthened ties between residents and officials. The effort sparked plans for a sidewalk funding campaign and encouraged elected leaders to hold walking meetings, advancing equity in aging and safer streets.
Project description was created using generative AI and then reviewed for accuracy.
Providence, RI
AARP Community Challenge Grant Year: 2018
Project Category: Engaging people in transportation options/safety
Description: To introduce older adult residents to ridehailing options, the Rhode Island College Foundation launched a workshop titled It's Uber Easy to Get a Lyft. More than 70 older adults from seven towns attended the workshops, which taught them how to download a smartphone app to hail rides. A majority of participants reported they gained confidence using the services following the training. Organizers hope this helps older adults retain mobility, even when they no longer feel comfortable driving themselves.
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