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Jamestown, ND
AARP Community Challenge Grant Year: 2019
Project Category: Roadway/sidewalks/crosswalk improvement
Description: Jamestown's Parks and Recreation Department hosted a pop-up event to test the viability of a path connecting the existing Jamestown River Trail with the local university, high school and activity center. They deployed traffic cones and signage to cordon off a temporary route for bikes and pedestrians along Highway 20. Organizers collected community feedback before and after the Pop-Up Walk/Bike Trail event, hoping to use the responses in future grant funding applications. That's what we're looking for input on, where do folks want to cross the road, said Amy Walters, director of the Two Rivers Activity Center. What is going to make people feel the safest Of those surveyed, 94 percent of people said they would like to see a permanent path installed along the route, with 62 percent of people saying they would use it at least four days a week. Since the project a committee has continued to meet to create a plan to connect existing paths in Jamestown and explore funding options.
Hamlin, WV
AARP Community Challenge Grant Year: 2018
Project Category: Roadway/sidewalks/crosswalk improvement
Description: Although Hamlin's residents can access regional bus service, most parts of the community lack transit access and pedestrian infrastructure. To make the community less car-centric, Lincoln County Friends of the Arts installed several artistic crosswalks. They engaged residents to design murals, which volunteers painted on the pavement. The colorful crosswalks draw catch drivers' attention, making them more likely to notice people crossing the street. Organizers hope the traffic calming installations will improve safety for pedestrian and cyclists, ultimately improving mobility throughout the small town.
Altadena, CA
AARP Community Challenge Grant Year: 2021
Project Category: Roadway/sidewalks/crosswalk improvement
Description: Altadena's Loma Alta Park is a destination for Los Angeles County residents. But visitors lacked a safe way to access the park on foot. To reduce speed limits and make roads safer for pedestrians, the Altadena Town Council's Safe Streets Committee installed temporary Slow Street signage at park access points that lacked walkable, bikeable or equestrian-friendly design features. They also set up a pop-up sidewalk alongside the park, offsetting it from traffic with white poles and red No Parking curb paint. The Committee then hosted a community walk and ride day that led residents on foot, on bikes and on scooters from the park to nearby nature trails. Organizers say the pop-up project raised awareness of the need for better pedestrian infrastructure and traffic calming in the area.
Nearby AARP Community Challenge Projects
Houston, TX
AARP Community Challenge Grant Year: 2017
Project Category: Public art installations
Description: To increase walkability and create a safe, beautiful gathering space, Avenue CDC engaged a local artist, local schoolchildren and residents to create a 600-foot mural. The wall selected for the artwork was off-putting and had been vandalized many times. But the site also acted as the entry point to the Northline neighborhood, since the wall faces the nearby light rail station. The mural's design pays homage to local Latino culture and the history of the neighborhood. As the mural reached its completion, Hurricane Harvey hit Houston and project organizers were able to repurpose leftover grant funds to help with recovery and rebuilding.
Houston, TX
AARP Community Challenge Grant Year: 2023
Project Category: Walkability
Description: This project will conduct walk audits along Washington Avenue, a busy commercial district surrounded by residential homes. There will be two training sessions and a final in-person community meeting.
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