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Charleston Revitalization Movement (2025) Print
2025 AARP Community Challenge Grantee
Project Category
Transportation
└ Pedestrian Safety
└ Pedestrian Safety
Older adults walking along Main Street lacked basic pedestrian safety features, making it harder to reach banks, pharmacies and public offices. Charleston Revitalization Movement added high-visibility crosswalks as well as flashing signs to warn pedestrians and cars. They also added wayfinding signage in a heavy foot traffic area that previously had no crosswalks. Community volunteers helped paint the crosswalks, creating visible routes where none existed. One resident said the project was bringing the community together and made the town feel more welcoming. The improvements increased confidence for older adults who walk downtown and set up a community-supported plan to refresh safety features over time.
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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See More Projects Like This One
Los Angeles, CA
AARP Community Challenge Grant Year: 2025
Project Category: Pedestrian Safety
Description: Older adults faced safety risks when parked cars blocked visibility at crosswalks, even after a new daylighting law was adopted. Outreach was challenging in communities experiencing fear and disruption tied to enforcement activity. Los Angeles Walks used small, trust-based workshops and walk audits to explain daylighting through arts-based activities and bilingual discussion rather than ticketing. One organizer noted that older adults still found ways to lead quiet, neighbor-to-neighbor education. The project strengthened understanding of daylighting and supported continued advocacy for safer intersections.
Project description was created using generative AI and then reviewed for accuracy.
Saltillo, MS
AARP Community Challenge Grant Year: 2026
Project Category: Pedestrian Safety
Description: The city will extend sidewalks from a recent downtown rebuild into nearby blocks. Continuous walkways will improve safety and strengthen access to local businesses while continuing current projects that are underway.
Liberty, NC
AARP Community Challenge Grant Year: 2026
Project Category: Pedestrian Safety
Description: The project will build a looped sidewalk connecting parking areas to a new bandshell in Freedom Park. The walkway will provide safe and accessible access to park activities for all users.
Nearby AARP Community Challenge Projects
Cairo, IL
AARP Community Challenge Grant Year: 2024
Project Category: Walk Audits
Description: In rural southern Illinois, older adults faced unsafe walking conditions with missing sidewalks and overgrown paths, forcing them into streets to reach parks and stores. CHESI organized walk audits across three towns, engaging 37 residents, including many age 50-plus, to review 100 blocks and document hazards. Participants met with local leaders to push for improvements and raised awareness of pedestrian safety. The effort sparked advocacy campaigns and scheduled meetings with mayors. This laid the groundwork for safer sidewalks and crosswalks and inspired future livable community projects.
Project description was created using generative AI and then reviewed for accuracy.
Mounds, IL
AARP Community Challenge Grant Year: 2022
Project Category: Park enhancements
Description: City Park was deteriorating and lacked accessible features for older adults and people with disabilities. The project installed ADA-compliant benches and picnic tables, added concrete pads and walkways, upgraded bathrooms with grab bars and accessible fixtures and provided umbrellas for shade. Volunteers, including older adults, helped build and install the new amenities. These improvements made the park more welcoming and sparked momentum for future upgrades. One resident noted online, "...to have a community to be proud of, everyone has to pitch in and help." Plans include adding lighting and exploring new features like barbecue areas.
Project description was created using generative AI and then reviewed for accuracy.
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