See More Projects Like This One

Glidden, IA

AARP Community Challenge Grant Year: 2019

Project Category: Trails

Description: Glidden's Northland Park features a mile-long trail system that winds through natural grasslands, a butterfly garden, picnic areas and more. But the park sits across a major roadway from another popular site -- the city's aquatic center. To improve connectivity, City officials set out to create a way to walk from one to the other. They installed more than 600 square feet of additional sidewalk and created a crosswalk across Highway 30, complete with flashing crossing signs to alert drivers of pedestrians.

Colorado Springs, CO

AARP Community Challenge Grant Year: 2018

Project Category: Trails

Description: A walk audit showed people felt unsafe using Colorado Springs' Sand Creek Trail, because the route was dark and uncared for. This project set out to beautify the trail and make the walking route feel safer. Located in the Southeast neighborhood, the route connects the local YMCA, library, school and important services. Improvements included adding lighting beneath a bridge on the route, as well as adding accessible benches. The organization also planned two community cleanup events, as well as a 5k run and a walking group for older adults. Organizers hope the trail upgrades increase walkability, as well as foster a sense of community pride.

Dryden, NY

AARP Community Challenge Grant Year: 2018

Project Category: Trails

Description: To encourage people to use the Dryden Rail Trail, the Town of Dryden set out to provide resting places and information along the trail. They installed seven benches and three kiosks along the 2.9-mile path, which connects the villages of Dryden and Freeville. The kiosks display maps, trail rules and more. Today, the Town Recreation Department offers intergenerational programming on the trail, including fitness walks, bike outings and community running events.

Nearby AARP Community Challenge Projects

Tampa, FL

AARP Community Challenge Grant Year: 2022

Project Category: Accessibility of amenities

Description: Carrollwood Cultural Center hoped to allow more people to enjoy its theatrical, dance and art programming. To make its offerings more accessible, the Center installed an assistive-listening system and hired audio describers. Additionally, they invited the Blind Visionaries multimedia group to perform. To further welcome blind and low-vision arts lovers, they also staged a tactile and audible art exhibit onsite.

Tampa, FL

AARP Community Challenge Grant Year: 2024

Project Category: Bikeability

Description: This project will install free-standing bike racks at a new food panty facility and cafe locations. The racks will protect bikes from theft and improve accessibility for neighbors experiencing food insecurity, as well as for staff and volunteers.

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