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City of Lansing (2022) Print
2022 AARP Community Challenge Grantee
Project Category
Transportation
└ Roadway/sidewalks/crosswalk improvement
└ Roadway/sidewalks/crosswalk improvement
Faded crosswalks and a worn roundabout near Mt. Hope STEAM school left pedestrians and cyclists vulnerable, especially older adults and children from nearby low-income neighborhoods. To improve safety and encourage active transportation, the city installed six bike racks at two parks and organized a volunteer event to paint crosswalks and refresh the intersection with art. These changes aim to slow traffic, increase driver yielding and boost bike ridership. The project also inspired other neighborhoods to pursue similar improvements and prompted plans for a citywide toolkit to replicate crosswalk painting.
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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Saint Paul, MN
AARP Community Challenge Grant Year: 2021
Project Category: Roadway/sidewalks/crosswalk improvement
Description: Territorial Road in St. Paul is a busy arterial, with dozens of heavy trucks passing through every hour. High vehicle speeds pose a hazard for residents, many of whom are older adults and people with disabilities. This project set out to improve safety and beautify two intersections near the local light rail station. To do this, the St. Anthony Community Council installed artistic benches with planters, as well as a wall mural depicting an owl. Additionally, a local artist painted a Dakota-inspired design on a crosswalk, making it more visible to passing drivers.
Hamtramck, MI
AARP Community Challenge Grant Year: 2021
Project Category: Roadway/sidewalks/crosswalk improvement
Description: The Joe Louis Greenway is a planned recreational pathway between Hamtramck and Detroit intended to unify the region's neighborhoods, people and parks. Organizers with Eastern Michigan University hoped to help shape the design for an alleyway connecting to the greenway. They planned a pop-up activation of the alley, turning it into a pedestrian-friendly route and community gathering space. The demonstration featured temporary traffic-calming measures, as well as sidewalk bump outs meant to make crossing the street easier. Organizers surveyed visitors during the demonstration, using their feedback to inform permanent changes to the alley.
Wayne, ME
AARP Community Challenge Grant Year: 2021
Project Category: Roadway/sidewalks/crosswalk improvement
Description: Wayne is a small town however, its population triples during the summer tourist season. The inflow of tourists brings with it more cars on the road, often traveling at faster speeds. To make the village's main street safer for both pedestrians and motorists, Aging at Home Wayne installed a crossing signal system. The signal system consists of a pedestrian crossing sign consisting of flashing beacons on both sides of the crosswalk. Pedestrians can now alert drivers when they're about to cross by pushing a button, which activates the lights.
Nearby AARP Community Challenge Projects
Lansing, MI
AARP Community Challenge Grant Year: 2023
Project Category: Addressing community health
Description: Older adults in Lansing faced high costs and limited options for fitness, leaving many without access to health programs. Lansing Parks launched a low-cost monthly membership giving people unlimited access to 36 classes across four centers including Tai Chi and Enhanced Fitness. The program enrolled 69 participants and boosted social connections. One participant noted that she has been feeling and looking better since starting the class. Plans include adding more classes and sustaining the model to keep older adults active and engaged.
Project description was created using generative AI and then reviewed for accuracy.
Lansing, MI
AARP Community Challenge Grant Year: 2019
Project Category: Bikeability
Description: The Allen Neighborhood Center installed a bike repair and air station in Hunter Park, Lansing's second busiest park. Located in a low-income neighborhood, Hunter Park's repair station provides tools to residents who may not otherwise have access to them. The station sits next to a bus stop, providing easy access to riders who ride their bikes to and from their bus rides. The Allen Neighborhood Center has hosted bike repair trainings and project organizers report many cyclists regularly make repairs using the tools.
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