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Spearfish, SD
AARP Community Challenge Grant Year: 2022
Project Category: Roadway/sidewalks/crosswalk improvement
Description: This project improved crosswalks -- as well as directional signage -- in Spearfish. Organizers worked to identify areas frequented by older adults. Then they ensured intersections in those areas had curb cuts, making them more accessible.
Ocean Springs, MS
AARP Community Challenge Grant Year: 2021
Project Category: Roadway/sidewalks/crosswalk improvement
Description: Ocean Springs has an active group of advocates working to make streets safer for pedestrians and bicyclists. However, many intersections remain dangerous, as vehicle speeds can be high during peak commuting times. The Ocean Springs Pedestrians and Residents for Exercise and Youth Safety painted a pavement mural in one of the city's busiest intersections. The artwork is meant to slow traffic by drawing attention to pedestrians crossing the street. OSRPEYS also developed a pocket park nearby, which they equipped with picnic tables, planters, bike racks and native plants. Since its installation, the park has become a gathering space for community members of all ages and community groups host activities onsite.
Richmond, VA
AARP Community Challenge Grant Year: 2020
Project Category: Roadway/sidewalks/crosswalk improvement
Description: Hundreds of elementary school students cross busy Lynhaven Avenue each day on their way to school in Richmond's Bellemeade neighborhood. Walk audits and other community engagement efforts have shown speeding and distracted driving are a common issue on the street. To slow down traffic and improve safety, Sports Backers commissioned local artists to create pavement murals at two intersections. Project organizers hope murals catch the attention of motorists, encouraging them to pay attention to the road and slow down.
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Dutchess County, NY
AARP Community Challenge Grant Year: 2020
Project Category: Community Health and Economic Empowerment
Description: During the COVID-19 pandemic, many older adults faced social isolation. To address this, the United Way of the Dutchess-Orange Region enlisted local young people to write cards to homebound community members. The organization hosted several virtual letter writing parties. During the online gatherings, project organizers gave the letter writers tips for how to engage with older adults in daily life, such as how to check-in on a neighbor, help deliver groceries or offer to shovel snow. Volunteers then delivered the cards along with care packages containing essential items, such as hygiene kits and food. Even as the pandemic lifted, the United way has continued to host its letter writing parties with the goal of fostering intergenerational relationships and social connectedness.
Kingston, NY
AARP Community Challenge Grant Year: 2019
Project Category: Park enhancements
Description: The City of Kingston installed two chess tables with seating at its waterfront T.R. Gallo Wes Strand Park. Dubbed a chess playground, the facilities are meant to allow people of all generations to play chess or checkers. In addition to tables and benches, the City added an accessible, concrete sidewalk and improved landscaping onsite. With the arrival of the COVID-19 pandemic, the new tables gave residents a safe, outdoor space to gather.
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