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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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See More Projects Like This One
West Sacramento, CA
AARP Community Challenge Grant Year: 2017
Project Category: Roadway/sidewalks/crosswalk improvement
Description: Residents of a senior apartment complex complained that the intersection connecting them to a senior apartment complex to West Sacramento's City Hall, senior center, library and transit center was difficult to cross. To help residents safely reach local amenities, the City of West Sacramento installed countdown timers, pedestrian-controlled crosswalk buttons and talking signals. Since the upgrades, the City reports no older adults have been struck by cars at the intersection. And the project's success has inspired West Sacramento officials to incorporate age-friendly elements in other infrastructure projects, including future crosswalk improvements.
Pittsburgh, PA
AARP Community Challenge Grant Year: 2023
Project Category: Roadway/sidewalks/crosswalk improvement
Description: Residents wanted safer streets but lacked tools to advocate for change. Bike Pittsburgh addressed this by hosting five workshops that trained older adults and others to design and launch street safety campaigns. The project also installed a community-designed mural near a library to slow traffic and create a welcoming space. The mural now improves access for older adults and youth, and graduates are pursuing additional projects. One participant said the training "helped me prioritize and structure all my advocacy projects... more strategically and efficiently."
Project description was created using generative AI and then reviewed for accuracy.
West Hartford, CT
AARP Community Challenge Grant Year: 2020
Project Category: Roadway/sidewalks/crosswalk improvement
Description: The Town of West Hartford enhanced safety for pedestrians at two major intersections by installing warning light systems. Designed to increase drivers' awareness of people in the crosswalk, the solar-powered lights flash once pedestrians hit a button, indicating they are about to cross. The intersections -- one near a senior center and the other near an elementary school -- do not have traffic lights. Ahead of their installation, town staff distributed flyers and held trainings to educate the public about the crosswalks. Project organizers say the upgrades are popular with the community and the Town has received requests for similar crossing signals at other intersections.
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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