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City of Stevens Point (2023) Print
2023 AARP Community Challenge Grantee
Project Category
Transportation
└ Public or private transit access
└ Public or private transit access
Long waits at transit stops without seating made public transportation difficult for older adults. To improve accessibility, the city installed five benches at key stops, including locations near parks and multi-family housing. It also hosted a planning workshop and integrated transit upgrades into neighborhood meetings. The benches not only offer comfort, but sparked plans for a citywide transit strategy in 2024. One bench near a disability services nonprofit was praised for helping clients meet outdoors, showing how small changes can make transit more inclusive.
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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Bainbridge Island, WA
AARP Community Challenge Grant Year: 2022
Project Category: Public or private transit access
Description: Older adults on Bainbridge Island face limited transit options, making shopping and cultural outings difficult. The center piloted a transportation program, training a driver for its 22-passenger van and partnering with Island Volunteer Caregivers to provide 202 rides for excursions and shopping trips. Volunteers supported the effort, and participants confirmed these trips were a top priority. "These shopping trips have lifted my husband's whole spirits," said one participant. The program reduced isolation, improved mental health and set the stage for continued excursions as well as plans to add livery service for medical appointments.
Project description was created using generative AI and then reviewed for accuracy.
Winona, MS
AARP Community Challenge Grant Year: 2025
Project Category: Public or private transit access
Description: Central Mississippi Inc. tackled the lack of reliable rides that left many older adults in rural areas missing care, struggling with groceries and losing control over daily schedules. The project provided on-demand trips for people age 50-plus, easing financial strain and helping riders reach medical appointments and stores without relying on others. Three community events built social connection, and volunteers spread the word about available services. One participant receiving cancer treatment described feeling supported throughout a full-day outing. The effort spurred resident interest and encouraged officials to explore sustaining shared transportation.
Project description was created using generative AI and then reviewed for accuracy.
Cedar City, UT
AARP Community Challenge Grant Year: 2022
Project Category: Public or private transit access
Description: Downtown Cedar City lacked seating and bike facilities, limiting access and discouraging gathering. The project installed four benches, ADA-compliant picnic tables at the farmers market and bike racks in high-traffic areas. These improvements created comfortable resting spots and secure bike parking. More people have been drawn to events and businesses, and the upgrades have encouraged active transportation and strengthened the area's role as a cultural hub. Residents praised the improvements, noting the heavy-duty benches and tables make it easier to stay and enjoy entertainment.
Project description was created using generative AI and then reviewed for accuracy.
Nearby AARP Community Challenge Projects
Berlin, WI
AARP Community Challenge Grant Year: 2019
Project Category: Park enhancements
Description: The City of Berlin has eight parks, but only two were well visited. Berlin's Parks and Recreation Department hoped to draw residents to check out the lesser-known locations. To do this, the department held a bench-painting contest. Local Boy Scouts and high school students built six wooden benches and Parks and Recreation Department recruited local artists to paint them. After the benches were completed, the Parks Department placed one in each park. The department then got residents involved, challenging them to hunt for each bench's location and vote on the designs they liked best. After the scavenger hunt, the benches went up for auction. The hunt got residents explore local parks, including ones they might not have previously visited. Inspired by the success of this project, the Parks Department plans to replicate the competition in the future.
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