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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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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.
Lumberton, NC
AARP Community Challenge Grant Year: 2025
Project Category: Public or private transit access
Description: Southeastern Life Center focused on a persistent barrier facing many residents: the lack of reliable, affordable transportation to reach everyday needs. For older adults with mobility challenges or fixed incomes, missed rides often meant missed medical appointments, limited access to food and fewer chances to stay socially connected. The project expanded door to door transportation and related support services, helping participants reach health care visits, grocery stores and community activities. Outreach and engagement efforts ensured the services reached people most affected by isolation and limited mobility. As a result, older adults reported improved access to essential resources and stronger social connections, supporting greater independence. By integrating these services into its core programs and strengthening local partnerships, the work is positioned to continue beyond the grant period and to support aging in place over time.
Project description was created using generative AI and then reviewed for accuracy.
Montpelier, VT
AARP Community Challenge Grant Year: 2025
Project Category: Public or private transit access
Description: This project will illuminate the North Branch Pedestrian Bridge to enhance safety and access to the Siboinebi recreational path. It aims to create a vibrant public space, benefiting residents, especially older adults.
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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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