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Chicago, IL
AARP Community Challenge Grant Year: 2024
Project Category: Walk Audits
Description: Unsafe sidewalks and crossings near 87th and Stony Island left older adults hesitant to walk and feeling isolated. Black Cornerstones audited 253 intersections, gathered resident stories and launched the Reimagine Stony Campaign. The effort produced a detailed walk plan, formed a walking club and hosted a block party to share findings. These steps sparked ongoing safety improvements and inspired similar efforts in other neighborhoods. One participant, age 84, said, "I used to be afraid to walk around my block, but now I feel safe and connected to my neighbors."
Project description was created using generative AI and then reviewed for accuracy.
New York City, NY
AARP Community Challenge Grant Year: 2024
Project Category: Walk Audits
Description: Older adults faced daily risks along Canal Street, where speeding traffic and missing curb cuts made crossing dangerous. To address this, the group led four walk audits and three meetings with more than 100 participants, identifying urgent fixes like leading pedestrian intervals and improved visibility. The effort produced advocacy letters to community boards and influenced DOT's planned redesign, which includes raised crosswalks and speed reductions. One participant said, "I've witnessed multiple crashes... More greenery, slower speeds and safety at the bridge entrance would make it safer for everyone."
Project description was created using generative AI and then reviewed for accuracy.
Canton, SD
AARP Community Challenge Grant Year: 2025
Project Category: Walk Audits
Description: Canton faced unsafe walking conditions at downtown intersections where long crossings, poor yielding behavior and inconsistent sidewalks created challenges. The committee conducted a walk audit documenting blocked sightlines, winter access issues and uneven routes. Volunteers shared firsthand accounts of inaccessible crossings, reinforcing the importance of addressing pedestrian safety for all residents. The audit produced a prioritized list of high-risk locations and recommendations that now guide planning and grant efforts.
Project description was created using generative AI and then reviewed for accuracy.
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Dexter, ME
AARP Community Challenge Grant Year: 2020
Project Category: Park enhancements
Description: The Town of Dexter installed new benches on local streets and in parks to make them more accessible for older adults and those with mobility issues. Three parks -- Wayside, Ronco and Veterans Parks -- received the new benches. The Town also paved the entrance of Wayside Park, a popular gathering space for free weekly summer concerts. In addition, the Town offered Pop-Up Universities intended to provide residents with activities for learning, creativity and physical wellbeing, as well as social interaction. Topics include flower arranging, meditation and chair yoga.
Bangor, ME
AARP Community Challenge Grant Year: 2022
Project Category: Trails
Description: Residents identified safety and accessibility issues along the Kenduskeag Stream Trail, where overgrown vegetation and poor signage made walking difficult for older adults. The project installed benches, improved parking lot lighting and added a solar-powered pedestrian crosswalk system to enhance visibility and safety. These upgrades encouraged more trail use and social interaction. "Having benches makes the trail more active, which also added to her feeling more safe taking a walk alone," said one resident. The city now plans additional improvements, including interpretive signage and grading work.
Project description was created using generative AI and then reviewed for accuracy.
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