Eastman, GA

AARP Community Challenge Grant Year: 2025

Project Category: Pedestrian Safety

Description: People walking along a busy corridor faced daily safety risks because the street lacked sidewalks and clear crossings. With no designated space to walk, residents had to navigate traffic near schools and nearby destinations, creating particular challenges for older adults making routine trips on foot. The City of Eastman installed new sidewalks and added painted crosswalks with flashing lights and visible signage. Together, these changes created predictable places to walk and cross where none existed before, reducing conflict between vehicles and pedestrians. The improvements eased daily movement for residents who walk for errands, exercise or to accompany family members. Older adults reported feeling safer using the corridor and more confident navigating the area on foot. The project also accelerated local plans to extend sidewalks on adjacent streets, helping reduce the risk of future pedestrian incidents and reinforcing a longer-term shift toward safer walking conditions.

Project description was created using generative AI and then reviewed for accuracy.

Montville, NJ

AARP Community Challenge Grant Year: 2025

Project Category: Pedestrian Safety

Description: Residents in a housing development for older adults had no safe way to walk along a busy road to reach nearby destinations, forcing them into traffic or limiting trips outside the neighborhood. The Township of Montville addressed this gap by installing a new sidewalk that connected the development to existing pedestrian routes. The sidewalk created a continuous, protected path to a nearby bus stop, community park, farms and neighboring areas, replacing an unsafe roadway shoulder. Township officials reported residents stopping by during construction to express appreciation for the project and what it would mean for their daily routines. The new connection has expanded opportunities for outdoor activity and independent travel and now supports future plans to link additional walking trails and pedestrian access to new recreation amenities.

Project description was created using generative AI and then reviewed for accuracy.

Richmond, VA

AARP Community Challenge Grant Year: 2025

Project Category: Pedestrian Safety

Description: This project will install a modular bus platform and curb extensions on 2nd Street in Richmonds Jackson Ward to improve safety and accessibility.