AARP Hearing Center
AARP Livable Communities Map
City of Milwaukee Department of Public Works (2023) Print
2023 AARP Community Challenge Grantee
Project Category
Transportation
└ Engaging people in transportation options/safety
└ Engaging people in transportation options/safety
Reckless driving left many residents, especially older adults, feeling unsafe and isolated. To address this, the city launched a traffic calming lending library stocked with cones, looper tubes and other materials. In addition, it partnered with Wisconsin Bike Fed to host workshops and street demonstrations. Residents tested options like traffic circles and curb extensions and learned about permanent solutions. The hands-on approach gave older adults a voice in street design and sparked plans to expand the program, update guidelines and make neighborhoods safer for walking.
Project description was created using generative AI and then reviewed for accuracy.
Project description was created using generative AI and then reviewed for accuracy.
Photo Gallery
Image:
Click on a photo to learn more
See More Projects Like This One
Austin, TX
AARP Community Challenge Grant Year: 2024
Project Category: Engaging people in transportation options/safety
Description: Older adults in Austin faced mobility challenges and rising isolation, often relying on costly ride-hailing or limiting outings. Movability hosted Mobility Camps and Lunch & Learns where participants practiced using buses, learned trip-planning apps and enrolled in reduced-fare programs. Participants received toolkits and hands-on experience with transit and carpooling. One camp took participants to the historic Driskill Hotel, where they shared holiday photos and made new friends. Participants report feeling more confident using transit for errands and appointments.
Project description was created using generative AI and then reviewed for accuracy.
Sioux Falls, SD
AARP Community Challenge Grant Year: 2025
Project Category: Engaging people in transportation options/safety
Description: Open Streets 2025 responded to gaps in walkability that left many older adults without safe or comfortable ways to move through downtown. The project transformed underused corridors into pedestrian-friendly spaces with accessible seating, slower-paced activities and cultural programming that encouraged people to linger and explore. These events supported older adults by creating calmer routes, offering performances suited to their pace and helping them connect with local businesses. The series also prompted installation of a new crosswalk near a previously inactive area, showing how temporary activations can influence long-term planning. A July 4th event, where volunteers served watermelon slices, showed how simple shared experiences helped strangers connect, break down social barriers and feel welcomed. Many older adults reported walking more and discovering new places, reinforcing how small design changes can create meaningful improvements in daily life.
Project description was created using generative AI and then reviewed for accuracy.
Washington, DC
AARP Community Challenge Grant Year: 2018
Project Category: Engaging people in transportation options/safety
Description: To increase older adults' mobility, the Capitol Hill Village worked to raise residents' awareness of the local transportation offerings. The nonprofit offered social events and educational programming to teach more than 100 residents how to get around without driving. The trainings covered pedestrian safety and provided older adults with in-depth information on transportation services, including the Metrorail system, Capital Bikeshare and local paratransit service. Project organizers say participants increased their knowledge of and confidence using local transportation options.
Nearby AARP Community Challenge Projects
Milwaukee, WI
AARP Community Challenge Grant Year: 2020
Project Category: Park enhancements
Description: As part of the ongoing efforts to improve Gardner Park, the City of Milwaukee added a new community gathering space. Located in the Menomonee River Hills neighborhood, the intergenerational space features a gravel patio area, as well as wheelchair-accessible tables with built-in game boards, benches, an information kiosk and new landscaping. Previously, the City installed a new playground, walking path and fitness equipment at the park. Project organizers say in recent years the neighborhood has welcomed an influx of new families -- including those from the Hmong community -- underscoring the need for a public space for neighbors to meet and socialize.
Milwaukee, WI
AARP Community Challenge Grant Year: 2022
Project Category: Public space activation
Description: Responding to growing social isolation during the COVID-19 pandemic, organizers with the Neighborhood Improvement Development Corporation hoped to give residents a place to socialize outdoors. Focusing on Milwaukee neighborhoods with a high density of vacant lots and a lack of public green space, the nonprofit repurposed vacant, city-owned parcels into community gathering spaces. Volunteers mowed grass and removed debris to prepare the lots. The resulting five Healing Spaces now feature benches, pergolas, perennial flowers and ADA-compliant walking paths. Soon after activating one formerly vacant lot, organizers reported seeing teens picnicking onsite -- a sign of the space's potential to foster togetherness. Today, the spaces host community events, including yoga sessions and health workshops.
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