Dover, DE

AARP Community Challenge Grant Year: 2025

Description: The Biggs Museum worked to expand arts access for older adults who faced financial and transportation barriers to cultural participation. By extending the display of five outdoor kinetic sculptures, the museum created a free and easily accessible art experience along a well-used walking route. It added guided tours, hands-on workshops and bus-supported visits from local community centers to deepen engagement. Attendance reached about 15,000 visitors, including roughly 6,000 older adults. One participant said meeting the artist enriched her appreciation of the work. The project broadened participation in public art and strengthened lasting connections with residents.

Dover, DE

AARP Community Challenge Grant Year: 2017

Project Category: Improved wayfinding

Description: The City of Dover wanted to spread the word about its North Street/West Street trail, a bikeable route developed from two smaller trails, constructed with state funding. The new route connects several major neighborhoods, as well as a medical center and employment centers, including Dover's Enterprise Business Park. Hoping to attract plenty of cyclists and pedestrians, Dover's Public Works Department installed signs along the trail. All are situated near street intersections and inform people about the route's existence, as well as which turns they need to make to remain on the route. Since refurbishing the West Street portion of the trail in 2018, Dover has continued to promote cycling for mobility. In 2020, the city published a comprehensive bike and pedestrian plan, which focused on underserved neighborhoods and reducing traffic stress.