Ocean Springs, MS

AARP Community Challenge Grant Year: 2021

Project Category: Roadway/sidewalks/crosswalk improvement

Description: Ocean Springs has an active group of advocates working to make streets safer for pedestrians and bicyclists. However, many intersections remain dangerous, as vehicle speeds can be high during peak commuting times. The Ocean Springs Pedestrians and Residents for Exercise and Youth Safety painted a pavement mural in one of the city's busiest intersections. The artwork is meant to slow traffic by drawing attention to pedestrians crossing the street. OSRPEYS also developed a pocket park nearby, which they equipped with picnic tables, planters, bike racks and native plants. Since its installation, the park has become a gathering space for community members of all ages and community groups host activities onsite.

Richmond, VA

AARP Community Challenge Grant Year: 2020

Project Category: Roadway/sidewalks/crosswalk improvement

Description: Hundreds of elementary school students cross busy Lynhaven Avenue each day on their way to school in Richmond's Bellemeade neighborhood. Walk audits and other community engagement efforts have shown speeding and distracted driving are a common issue on the street. To slow down traffic and improve safety, Sports Backers commissioned local artists to create pavement murals at two intersections. Project organizers hope murals catch the attention of motorists, encouraging them to pay attention to the road and slow down.

Newburgh, NY

AARP Community Challenge Grant Year: 2017

Project Category: Roadway/sidewalks/crosswalk improvement

Description: As part of Orange County's Complete Streets program, the City of Newburgh staged a pop-up demonstration showcasing street safety improvements on Lake Street. To narrow the distance needed to cross the street and make pedestrians more visible to drivers, project organizers painted bump-outs at intersections. They added temporary barriers around the bump-outs to separate them from street traffic. Decorative planters further protected and beatified the space. Additionally, the City used stencils to paint brightly colored polka dots on the sidewalk surface, creating a sense of fun around the intersection.