Berkeley Heights, NJ

AARP Community Challenge Grant Year: 2021

Project Category: Improved wayfinding

Description: Officials with the Berkeley Heights Township have long worked to encourage residents to walk. To that end, an award-winning master plan focuses on making the community more pedestrian-friendly. To better inform people about local walking trails, the Township created the Trailblazer project. The wayfinding initiative installed sign kiosks at four locations, including the municipal complex, two parks and the community YMCA. Each displays maps of the township and its trails and provides paper copies for passersby to take with them.

Elizabeth, NJ

AARP Community Challenge Grant Year: 2022

Project Category: Public art installations

Description: After the pandemic, residents of Elizabeth faced isolation and lacked safe, vibrant spaces for connection. Kean University Foundation created a walkable art trail with banner murals inspired by residents' stories, plus painted play areas and benches. Older adults collaborated with students and volunteers to design and paint murals, while Echo Show displays in community rooms let residents share photos and stories. The project reduced isolation and strengthened community ties. "I don't think everyone living here knew they could write poems... and they see it every day," said one participant.

Project description was created using generative AI and then reviewed for accuracy.