Hilo, HI

AARP Community Challenge Grant Year: 2021

Project Category: Engaging residents in vibrant public places

Description: Like in many communities around the country, older adults in Hilo were particularly isolated during the height of the COVID-19 pandemic. To help older adults connect with friends and neighbors, the East Hawai'i Cultural Center created an outdoor mobile stage. The modular stage hosted free and low-cost theatre, dance, music, hula, poetry performances and lectures at venues throughout the community, including several at two senior centers.

Toledo, OH

AARP Community Challenge Grant Year: 2022

Project Category: Public or private transit access

Description: This project upgraded a bus stop near the clinic with a bench and shelter. It also improved ride-sharing arrangements with a new partnership and installed bike racks at the clinic.

St. Paul, MN

AARP Community Challenge Grant Year: 2017

Project Category: Roadway/sidewalks/crosswalk improvement

Description: The city government in St. Paul hoped to enhance walkability through safety improvements at two unmarked pedestrian crossings along Marion Street. To accomplish that, the city created two long-term temporary crosswalks at Ravoux and Fuller Streets. The work included adding pedestrian crosswalk signs, painting high-visibility block-pattern crosswalk markings and installing pedestrian refuge islands and bump-outs. The city also restricted parking near the intersections and installed a temporary radar speed sign along the corridor. The project enabled local government agencies and civic organizations to gather data needed to support permanent crosswalks upgrades in the area. Using the results, the city began its re-envisioning Marion Street as a pedestrian-friendly, multi-modal corridor in 2021.