Columbia, MO

AARP Community Challenge Grant Year: 2021

Project Category: Roadway/sidewalks/crosswalk improvement

Description: Many of Columbia's sidewalks and bike lanes are outdated and substandard. To make the community aware of needed pedestrian infrastructure improvements, Columbia PedNet created a pop-up demonstration kit. Outfitted with traffic cones, paint, stencils, signs and other supplies, the kit allows local advocates to make temporary changes to the streetscape. Project organizers then worked with residents and the city's Public Works Department to stage two demonstrations to reduce vehicle speeds, making walking and cycling safer. Project organizers report many residents attended the events and gave their feedback on how to make streets safer. Columbia PedNet has more demonstrations planned and hopes to work with the City to make pop-ups part of its neighborhood traffic calming program.

Sutton, WV

AARP Community Challenge Grant Year: 2021

Project Category: Roadway/sidewalks/crosswalk improvement

Description: The Town of Sutton is home to a popular community garden and vibrant farmers market, but the two were cut off from each other by a busy street. To help residents take advantage of both amenities, Sutton Community Development Corporation connected the spaces by adding a crosswalk. Volunteers painted the crossing's pavement with bright colors, making it more visible to passing drivers. They also planted flags along the path between the garden and market to guide people from one to the other. Additionally, the CDC improved gathering spaces at the garden and market. They added tables and seating to the garden space to allow people to gather there. To improve the market space, volunteers installed string lights and shade sails and cleaned up a state area at the market, which had been damaged in high winds.

Philadelphia, PA

AARP Community Challenge Grant Year: 2019

Project Category: Roadway/sidewalks/crosswalk improvement

Description: Asociacion Puertorriquenos en Marcha completed streetscaping along an important corridor of Germantown Avenue in North Philadelphia. Small-scale, low-cost -- but high-impact -- improvements began with street cleaning. Volunteers then worked to add elements to offset pedestrians from traffic and slow down passing vehicles. They installed decorative fences, signs at pedestrian crossings, flexible bollards, sidewalk art and temporary island installations. The project was part of a larger effort to revive what was once a vibrant, central commercial corridor and residents reacted positively. One said, It makes it look like people actually live here, like they do Another added, This makes it easier for children to know where they can safely cross. Organizers are seeking to make the island installations permanent. Additionally, the City committed to restriping the street and continue cleanup efforts, while community members plan to replicate beautification elements on nearby vacant lots.