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City of Shawnee (2017) Print
2017 AARP Community Challenge Grantee
Project Category
Transportation
└ Roadway/sidewalks/crosswalk improvement
└ Roadway/sidewalks/crosswalk improvement
For years, officials in the City of Shawnee heard complaints from residents of the historic Jefferson Terrace neighborhood about vehicles speeding and running the four-way stop sign at an intersection. To reduce vehicle speeds and increase pedestrian safety, the City replaced the ignored stop signs with a mini traffic circle, the first of its kind in Shawnee. The City collected data traffic speeds and volume before and after the circle's installation, which proved that although traffic counts remained the same, vehicular speeds slowed down. The success of the project has inspired Shawnee officials to consider similar traffic calming interventions at other locations.
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Fort Wayne, IN
AARP Community Challenge Grant Year: 2022
Project Category: Roadway/sidewalks/crosswalk improvement
Description: Fort Wayne's Wells Street corridor lacked safe crossings and inviting spaces, leaving pedestrians vulnerable. The project improved three crosswalks and activated unused areas with seating, lighting and planters. Volunteers built furniture and hosted events that fostered social connections and safer movement. One organizer mentioned that residents now request more gatherings and using the new furniture and planters, leading to a better sense of community.
Project description was created using generative AI and then reviewed for accuracy.
Bozeman, MT
AARP Community Challenge Grant Year: 2019
Project Category: Roadway/sidewalks/crosswalk improvement
Description: The Western Transportation Institute conducted three temporary traffic calming projects and two pop-up bus shelters. The temporary demonstrations included new pedestrian crossings, curb extensions and traffic circles. The Institute then partnered with local community groups and the Streamline Bus Service to gather data and evaluate how well these installations calmed traffic and increased pedestrian safety. The City of Bozeman later replicated the three traffic circles in other locations to manage disruptions from a large construction project.
Tuba City, AZ
AARP Community Challenge Grant Year: 2022
Project Category: Roadway/sidewalks/crosswalk improvement
Description: The Nanees'Dizi Chapter government serves nearly 10,000 members of the Navajo Nation. Recently, the Chapter redid its headquarters to offer an incubation space for local vendors, artists and businesses, including adding an outdoor market. Change Labs hoped to help residents access this space, so they installed new steps and a handrail. Ahead of the work, Change Labs met with older adults in the community to understand their needs. Organizers say the project sparked a community conversation about needed infrastructure upgrades. It also strengthened relationships between local business owners and government leaders.
Nearby AARP Community Challenge Projects
Shawnee, OK
AARP Community Challenge Grant Year: 2025
Project Category: HomeFit Modifications
Description: Many older adults in Authority housing faced preventable bathroom hazards that made daily routines risky and aging in place harder. Staff conducted in-home assessments, then supplied practical fixes such as grab bars, shower chairs, non-slip mats and adjustable shower heads. Using HomeFit guidance, they addressed immediate needs and explained the Reasonable Accommodation process for longer-term changes. The effort sharpened staff focus on older adult needs during rehab and construction. In one home, a tenant had used a kitchen chair to get in and out of the tub. Staff installed safer equipment, then helped pursue an accommodation that led to a walk-in shower. The project reduced risks and embedded age-friendly practices in ongoing operations.
Project description was created using generative AI and then reviewed for accuracy.
Shawnee, OK
AARP Community Challenge Grant Year: 2025
Project Category: Innovative home maintenance repair and services
Description: This project will help low-income, older residents remain safely in their homes by providing home evaluations and assisting with necessary repairs and modifications.
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