AARP Hearing Center
AARP Livable Communities Map
See More Projects Like This One
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.
Chicago, IL
AARP Community Challenge Grant Year: 2023
Project Category: Roadway/sidewalks/crosswalk improvement
Description: Busy intersections along 79th Street posed serious safety risks for pedestrians, including older adults, in one of Chicago's high-crash corridors. To slow traffic and improve visibility, the initiative installed colorful pavement art at key crossings and trained local youth to assist with the work, giving them new trade skills. Residents say the redesigned intersections feel safer and easier to navigate. The project is expected to reduce pedestrian accidents and has sparked plans for similar improvements along the corridor, reinforcing efforts to make the area safer and more vibrant.
Project description was created using generative AI and then reviewed for accuracy.
Spearfish, SD
AARP Community Challenge Grant Year: 2022
Project Category: Roadway/sidewalks/crosswalk improvement
Description: Busy street crossings and unclear signage along Spearfish's recreation path made navigation risky, especially for older adults and people with disabilities. The city addressed these issues by installing large directional signs, painting crosswalks, adding pedestrian alerts and building ADA-compliant ramps. Volunteers helped assemble signs, and a kiosk with a new map now guides users. These upgrades improved safety and accessibility, giving residents confidence to enjoy the path and inspiring additional investments to expand improvements.
Project description was created using generative AI and then reviewed for accuracy.
Nearby AARP Community Challenge Projects
La Crosse, WI
AARP Community Challenge Grant Year: 2024
Project Category: Housing Choice Design Competitions
Description: Older residents needed affordable housing options and flexibility to age in place, but city ordinances blocked homeowners from building accessory dwelling units (ADUs). The city launched a design competition, reviewed 36 submissions and selected three winners, then published all designs online to guide future projects. An awards event drew community members and sparked lender interest in financing packages. These steps accelerated ADU adoption, giving residents access to open-source plans that make age-friendly housing and intergenerational living more attainable.
Project description was created using generative AI and then reviewed for accuracy.
La Crosse, WI
AARP Community Challenge Grant Year: 2021
Project Category: Accessibility of amenities
Description: Cia Siab -- a nonprofit serving the local Hmoob community -- wanted to ensure its community center was accessible to people of all ages and abilities. But the stairs at the building's entrance posed a challenge to community elders who use wheelchairs, scooters or other mobility devices. To fix this, the City of La Crosse installed two ramps. The center offers programming to the community, including Hmoob language camp, women's circle and elders program. Access to the site is especially important for Hmong elders, who often struggle with depression, PTSD and social isolation due to their experiences of war, displacement and loss. Since installing the ramps, the City has looked for other community spaces that would benefit from accessibility upgrades.
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 has offices in all 50 states as well as in the District of Columbia, Puerto Rico and the U.S. Virgin Islands.
AARP Wisconsin State Office
222 W Washington Avenue
Suite 600
Madison, WI 53703
United States