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City of Hamilton (2023) Print
2023 AARP Community Challenge Grantee
Project Category
Transportation
└ Roadway/sidewalks/crosswalk improvement
└ Roadway/sidewalks/crosswalk improvement
Fast traffic and unsafe crossings on State Street and Southside streets made walking hazardous for older adults and residents of an income-restricted housing complex. The city partnered with Bike Walk Bitterroot and Western Transportation Institute to install pop-up traffic calming features, including neighborhood traffic circles and sidewalk extensions with pedestrian refuge islands. Volunteers helped implement the designs after community walk audits. The changes slowed vehicles and improved visibility, making crossings safer for pedestrians. Residents praised the improvements, and the city plans seasonal reinstallation and is exploring permanent solutions based on data and feedback.
Project description was created using generative AI and then reviewed for accuracy.
Project description was created using generative AI and then reviewed for accuracy.
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See More Projects Like This One
Fort Wayne, IN
AARP Community Challenge Grant Year: 2022
Project Category: Roadway/sidewalks/crosswalk improvement
Description: Fort Wayne's Wells Street corridor lacked safe crossings and inviting spaces, leaving pedestrians vulnerable. The project improved three crosswalks and activated unused areas with seating, lighting and planters. Volunteers built furniture and hosted events that fostered social connections and safer movement. One organizer mentioned that residents now request more gatherings and using the new furniture and planters, leading to a better sense of community.
Project description was created using generative AI and then reviewed for accuracy.
Malvern, AR
AARP Community Challenge Grant Year: 2020
Project Category: Roadway/sidewalks/crosswalk improvement
Description: To improve pedestrian visibility and safety, the Malvern-Hot Spring County Library created a colorful crosswalk. Project organizers report the crosswalk has visibly slowed down approaching traffic. A local group -- the Ouachita River Art Guild -- designed and painted the crosswalk with a floral design. Library also worked with local master gardeners to create a pollinator garden and added a story trail. The trail includes sign posts displaying pages from a children's storybook, which can be rotated out as needed to provide visitors with new reading material.
Raymore, MO
AARP Community Challenge Grant Year: 2018
Project Category: Roadway/sidewalks/crosswalk improvement
Description: As part of efforts to establish Raymore's Municipal Circle as the heart of the community, the City of Raymore created a paved crosswalk. Before, visitors to nearby municipal buildings crossed at unmarked points, leading to safety concerns. To further increase a sense of public safety, they City added lighting. Additionally, they installed park benches nearby to give pedestrians a place to rest. Foot traffic in the neighborhood has increased in recent years -- a new community event space opened nearby and more development is expected. City officials also hope the crosswalk project serves as a pilot for improving walkability in other parts of town.
Nearby AARP Community Challenge Projects
Hamilton, MT
AARP Community Challenge Grant Year: 2022
Project Category: Community Gardens
Description: In Montana's Bitterroot Valley, older adults and low-income families faced food insecurity and limited access to fresh produce. The "Veggie Brigade" paired youth farm interns with older adults to grow vegetables in donated yard spaces and community plots. Volunteers built 32 raised beds, distributed thousands of plants and prepared weekly salads and soups for local food assistance clients. The project increased food availability and created intergenerational connections through shared gardening and meal preparation. This has led tohands-on education that will support ongoing efforts to fight food insecurity and strengthen community ties. "Having a young team of Veggie Brigade interns that could clean out our large garden after my husband passed away was so meaningful," one participant said.
Project description was created using generative AI and then reviewed for accuracy.
Victor, MT
AARP Community Challenge Grant Year: 2026
Project Category: Park enhancements
Description: Accessible parking, benches and an information kiosk will be installed at a new public park next to downtown. These features will help visitors comfortably reach and enjoy the park and make outdoor use easier for people with mobility needs.
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