AARP Hearing Center
AARP Livable Communities Map
See More Projects Like This One
Northfield, VT
AARP Community Challenge Grant Year: 2021
Project Category: Roadway/sidewalks/crosswalk improvement
Description: Northfield Common Connections wanted to start a community dialogue about local walkability and pedestrian infrastructure. The organization set out to evaluate the pedestrian environment in Northfield. First, Northfield Common Connections conduced a walk audit. Volunteers traveled by foot through town and evaluated streetscape features that made walking easy or difficult. Additionally, the organization also conducted a survey of pedestrian activity, observing how passersby navigated the street. As a result of their evaluation, organizers decided to paint a walk-bike lane through town. To shield path users from vehicle traffic, volunteers installed delineators along the route. Playful wayfinding signage helps residents navigate the path and organizers added benches to give people a resting place. Organizers say the effort was especially important since the path serves a neighborhood that suffered economic impacts after a hurricane, connecting residents with needed amenities downtown.
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.
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.
Nearby AARP Community Challenge Projects
Grove, OK
AARP Community Challenge Grant Year: 2023
Project Category: Roadway/sidewalks/crosswalk improvement
Description: The project will add lighting and signals to downtown crosswalks to help make them safer, particularly for older pedestrians.
Vinita, OK
AARP Community Challenge Grant Year: 2018
Project Category: Public space activation
Description: The City of Vinita set out to create a gathering place for the community to enjoy while making a positive economic impact on local commerce. Through the Route 66 Breezeway Project, they transformed a dark alley along historic Route 66 Main Street corridor into a well-lit, safe pathway. To allow people to gather in the breezeway, the City installed ADA-accessible benches and tables. Art displayed along the alley's walls allow the space to function as an outdoor gallery. The space connects to downtown Vinita, allowing visitors to walk to shops and restaurants there. For residents of new senior living apartments nearby, the area has created a welcoming, art-filled gathering space and enjoyable walking access to downtown. Today, the site hosts a seasonal farmers market, concerts, outdoor dining and meetings.
LEARN MORE AND STAY INFORMED
Find articles and resources about making communities more livable for people of all ages

Download or order free publications from AARP Livable Communities

Sign up for the free, weekly, award-winning AARP Livable Communities eNewsletter

Don't see your community listed?
LEARN HOW IT CAN JOIN THE NETWORKConnect with your AARP State Office
AARP Oklahoma State Office
126 N Bryant Avenue
Edmond (Oklahoma City), OK 73034
United States