See More Projects Like This One

Culpeper, VA

AARP Community Challenge Grant Year: 2021

Project Category: Public or private transit access

Description: To inform older adults in rural Virginia about regional transportation options, the Rappahannock-Rapidan Regional Commission launched its Trusted Community Partner campaign. The initiative awards a gold seal designation to vetted transportation service providers in Culpeper, Fauquier, Madison, Orange and Rappahannock Counties. Organizers then worked to educate the community about the seal's significance. To reach residents, the Commission distributed fliers describing the program, created a website and installed benches with advertising. Organizers also presented at nearly 150 community meetings. Additionally, they displayed information about the TCP seal on passenger vans, which they drove through the community. Ultimately, the Commission hopes the seal inspires trust among older adults looking for transportation options. Every provider displaying the TCP gold seal must use drivers that are screened, trained and insured.

St. Louis, MO

AARP Community Challenge Grant Year: 2023

Project Category: Public or private transit access

Description: The #70 Grand bus route in Saint Louis lacked seating and shelter, forcing riders-many older adults-to perch on tree fencing or wait in rain and heat. A new sustainable bus shelter now offers seating, solar lighting and a planter box with native plants, creating a safer and more comfortable wait. The design prompted Metro to adopt similar features and drew interest in solar upgrades for future shelters. A longtime rider said he's "so happy to finally have a bus shelter" for errands, underscoring how small changes can transform daily transit for older adults.

Chillicothe, OH

AARP Community Challenge Grant Year: 2021

Project Category: Public or private transit access

Description: A planning study revealed a lack of accessibility throughout the Chillicothe Transit System, with some riders to sit on the ground while they wait for the bus. To address this, the City stepped in the make bus stops more accommodating for riders of all ages and abilities. First, project organizers identified areas of town with high numbers of older adult transit riders and passengers with mobility challenges. Then they installed benches -- as well as swing sets -- at several bus stops. They also added bus shelters at two stops and erected new signage at more than 60 others. In the future, project organizers plan to add a mural to the pavement at the local library's bus stop. Organizers say the improvements make waiting for the bus more comfortable, which may lead to increased ridership.

Nearby AARP Community Challenge Projects

West Point, KY

AARP Community Challenge Grant Year: 2024

Project Category: Park enhancements

Description: This project will install ADA-compliant sidewalks and benches, making a local park more accessible to older adults and visitors with mobility challenges. The museum in the park welcomes 200 visitors each month, many of whom are older adults.

Louisville, KY

AARP Community Challenge Grant Year: 2023

Project Category: Walkability

Description: Unsafe sidewalks and crossings near a community garden left older adults struggling to navigate an area dominated by interstate ramps and a deteriorating pedestrian bridge. The association led three walk audits, documented hazards and pressed officials for change. They restriped Preston Street to add a bike lane, cleared invasive plants to improve visibility and enhanced the garden entryway with salvaged historic materials. These efforts sparked city and state engagement on redesign plans and gave residents a stronger voice in shaping safer streets. One organizer said "I've personally had many close calls attempting to cross these streets," making the need for improvements clear.

LEARN MORE AND STAY INFORMED

Find articles and resources about making communities more livable for people of all ages

people icon

Download or order free publications from AARP Livable Communities

download icon

Sign up for the free, weekly, award-winning AARP Livable Communities eNewsletter

mail icon

Don't see your community listed?

LEARN HOW IT CAN JOIN THE NETWORK

Connect with your AARP State Office

AARP has offices in all 50 states as well as in the District of Columbia, Puerto Rico and the U.S. Virgin Islands.

AARP Indiana State Office

One N. Capitol Avenue
Suite 1275
Indianapolis, IN 46204
United States

Phone: 866-448-3618
Fax: 317-423-2211
Email: [email protected]