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Borough of Morris Plains (2023) Print
2023 AARP Community Challenge Grantee
Project Category
Transportation
└ Roadway/sidewalks/crosswalk improvement
└ Roadway/sidewalks/crosswalk improvement
Older residents faced safety risks crossing Mountain Way to reach Roberts Garden and the library due to the lack of a crosswalk and sidewalk. The borough installed a new crosswalk with ADA-compliant features, added a sidewalk and placed pedestrian signs to improve access. These upgrades now connect Roberts Garden and the library to nearby neighborhoods and transit.
Project description was created using generative AI and then reviewed for accuracy.
Project description was created using generative AI and then reviewed for accuracy.
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Pittsburgh, PA
AARP Community Challenge Grant Year: 2023
Project Category: Roadway/sidewalks/crosswalk improvement
Description: Residents wanted safer streets but lacked tools to advocate for change. Bike Pittsburgh addressed this by hosting five workshops that trained older adults and others to design and launch street safety campaigns. The project also installed a community-designed mural near a library to slow traffic and create a welcoming space. The mural now improves access for older adults and youth, and graduates are pursuing additional projects. One participant said the training "helped me prioritize and structure all my advocacy projects... more strategically and efficiently."
Project description was created using generative AI and then reviewed for accuracy.
Evansville, IN
AARP Community Challenge Grant Year: 2022
Project Category: Roadway/sidewalks/crosswalk improvement
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Benton, AR
AARP Community Challenge Grant Year: 2019
Project Category: Roadway/sidewalks/crosswalk improvement
Description: Benton city officials wanted the crosswalks in its downtown district to reflect the grandeur of the city's elegant courthouse building, located nearby. First, the City compiled four possible designs for new-artistic crosswalks. Then they reached out to residents via social media, asking them to vote for their favorite option. Nearly 2,000 responded, with the initial vote so close that the City had to hold a runoff. After the tiebreaker, they then installed two wide, visually compelling crosswalks showcasing the winning herringbone pattern.
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Denville, NJ
AARP Community Challenge Grant Year: 2025
Project Category: Disaster Preparedness
Description: This project will offer in-person and virtual disaster pre-planning training sessions. Participants will receive emergency supply checklists and 72-hour survival backpack kits.
Montville, NJ
AARP Community Challenge Grant Year: 2025
Project Category: Pedestrian Safety
Description: Residents in a housing development for older adults had no safe way to walk along a busy road to reach nearby destinations, forcing them into traffic or limiting trips outside the neighborhood. The Township of Montville addressed this gap by installing a new sidewalk that connected the development to existing pedestrian routes. The sidewalk created a continuous, protected path to a nearby bus stop, community park, farms and neighboring areas, replacing an unsafe roadway shoulder. Township officials reported residents stopping by during construction to express appreciation for the project and what it would mean for their daily routines. The new connection has expanded opportunities for outdoor activity and independent travel and now supports future plans to link additional walking trails and pedestrian access to new recreation amenities.
Project description was created using generative AI and then reviewed for accuracy.
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