AARP Hearing Center
AARP Livable Communities Map
See More Projects Like This One
Milwaukee, WI
AARP Community Challenge Grant Year: 2024
Project Category: Roadway/sidewalks/crosswalk improvement
Description: In Milwaukee's Amani neighborhood, speeding cars and unsafe crossings put older adults at risk, especially after one was struck near a church. The project installed a temporary traffic calming circle and added painted crosswalks, picnic tables and buddy benches. The benches feature vibrant designs created by local artists, along with older adults and youth. More than 300 residents joined Pedestrian Safety Month events, building momentum for permanent solutions like raised crosswalks. Community advocacy continues with city officials to secure lasting infrastructure changes that make streets safer and foster neighborhood pride.
Fort Wayne, IN
AARP Community Challenge Grant Year: 2023
Project Category: Roadway/sidewalks/crosswalk improvement
Description: Trail users often passed Stillwater Hospice without knowing its prairie and pond were open to the public, and the existing path was inaccessible for people with mobility challenges. The project installed ADA-compliant curb cuts, flattened a steep curve and added a cement pad for bike racks, a trash can and doggie pot. New directional and educational signs now guide visitors and highlight prairie features. A retired cyclist noted that she rides past this area all the time but did not know about the pond or prairie until the new signs and ADA ramps went in, and that she looks forward to returning. These changes are expected to boost community walks and bike rides starting from Stillwater Hospice.
Manhattan, KS
AARP Community Challenge Grant Year: 2021
Project Category: Roadway/sidewalks/crosswalk improvement
Description: Manhattan's busiest intersections needed safety improvements for pedestrians and bicyclists. To address this, the Flint Hills Metropolitan Planning Organization installed curb extensions and pedestrian islands at key locations within the community, including in front of the local elementary school. The enhancements made the crossings more visible, placing priority on people rather than vehicles. Organizers say the project showed residents and government leadership that it's possible to improve walkability and make neighborhoods safer on a modest budget.
Nearby AARP Community Challenge Projects
Philadelphia, PA
AARP Community Challenge Grant Year: 2023
Project Category: Public spaces improvements to increase high-speed internet availability
Description: Reliable internet was out of reach for many Philadelphia residents, leaving older adults disconnected and unable to manage essential tasks. The project installed free Wi-Fi across senior residences and nearby public spaces, hosted town halls and distributed 100 laptops with digital literacy training. The network now serves hundreds, easing financial strain and improving access to telehealth and communication. One resident shared gratitude, saying older adults are often overlooked when it comes to technology access.
Philadelphia, PA
AARP Community Challenge Grant Year: 2025
Project Category: Walk Audits
Description: The project will conduct a walk audit of Girard Avenue to identify safety and accessibility barriers for residents age 50 or over. Volunteers of all ages, including older adults, will participate.
LEARN MORE AND STAY INFORMED
Find articles and resources about making communities more livable for people of all ages
Download or order free publications from AARP Livable Communities
Sign up for the free, weekly, award-winning AARP Livable Communities eNewsletter
Don't see your community listed?
LEARN HOW IT CAN JOIN THE NETWORKConnect with your AARP State Office
AARP Pennsylvania State Office
30 North 3rd Street
Suite 920
Harrisburg, PA 17101
United States