Memphis, TN

AARP Community Challenge Grant Year: 2019

Project Category: Roadway/sidewalks/crosswalk improvement

Description: This project improved the South Memphis neighborhood of Soulsville neighborhood by creating an artistic crosswalk at a busy intersection. The installation served to beautify the street, as well as improve pedestrian and cycling safety by making the crosswalk more visible to drivers. Project organizers say they hope the street art also fosters a sense of pride among the neighborhood's residents.

Jasonville, IN

AARP Community Challenge Grant Year: 2023

Project Category: Roadway/sidewalks/crosswalk improvement

Description: This project will create a walkway equipped with ADA-compliant benches, directional signage, lights and a painted crosswalk to encourage residents aged 50 to use the nearby community garden and connect with Jasonville's history.

Kapolei, HI

AARP Community Challenge Grant Year: 2020

Project Category: Roadway/sidewalks/crosswalk improvement

Description: New curb extensions on Kopolei's Papipi Road not only help local children safely navigate their route to school, they also remind passersby of their rich Hawaiian history and culture. Over the past five years, daily traffic on the road increased 50 percent, with many drivers exceeding the posted speed limit. To calm traffic, Hawaii's Blue Zones Project installed bulb outs at an intersection, which safely extend the sidewalk into the street. This shortens the street crossing distance for pedestrians and makes them more visible to drivers. To make the curb extensions even more noticeable, volunteers used paint to depict limu in shades of gold and green on the pavement. Limu are edible, underwater plants -- a vital component of Hawaiian cuisine and ceremonies for generations.