AARP Hearing Center
AARP Livable Communities Map
Downtown Development District (2021) Print
2021 AARP Community Challenge Grantee
Project Category
Transportation
└ Roadway/sidewalks/crosswalk improvement
└ Roadway/sidewalks/crosswalk improvement
Bicycle and pedestrian activity increased dramatically in Baton Rouge's arts and entertainment district boomed during the height of the COVID-19 pandemic. To improve safety in the area, the Downtown Development District created 20 high-visibility crosswalks at five different intersections. The crosswalks help drivers notice people crossing the street, decreasing the likelihood of a collision. Additionally, the pavement art acts as a placemaking tool and creates a visual identity for district. It also connected the public to local historical structures, tourist attractions, art and cultural assets, governmental institutions and greenspaces.
Photo Gallery
Image:
Click on a photo to learn more
See More Projects Like This One
Shelburne, VT
AARP Community Challenge Grant Year: 2024
Project Category: Roadway/sidewalks/crosswalk improvement
Description: Falls Road's busy traffic made the village center unsafe for walking and biking, especially for older adults in nearby housing. A summer demonstration tested slower street designs with new crosswalks, a buffered walking lane, narrowed lanes and signage. More than 640 residents weighed in through surveys, and speeds dropped sharply: only 6% of cars exceeded 25 mph compared to over 50% before. The board approved keeping key features and funding further improvements. "It's so much nicer and quieter," said one property owner, as plans advance for permanent upgrades and expanded walkability.
Belvidere, NJ
AARP Community Challenge Grant Year: 2022
Project Category: Roadway/sidewalks/crosswalk improvement
Description: Older adults in Belvidere faced safety concerns on Oxford Street, a busy corridor with no dedicated bike space. The town launched "Bikeable Belvidere," adding a bike lane, sharrows, benches and bike racks to calm traffic and create safe routes for riders and walkers. A ribbon-cutting drew strong community support and sparked plans for a town-wide bike grid. The project also hosted volunteer events and installed ADA-compliant benches, encouraging outdoor activity and social engagement for residents with limited green space.
Memphis, TN
AARP Community Challenge Grant Year: 2018
Project Category: Roadway/sidewalks/crosswalk improvement
Description: The City of Memphis hoped to encourage residents of the Crosstown neighborhood to walk. They replaced and repaired sidewalks at the Lewis Center, the local senior center. To encourage people to use a new urban walking trail, the City also installed signage directing people to the path. A designated rest stop along the trail includes benches and planters, giving walkers a place to stretch, rest and socialize. Future plans include upgrades to crosswalks at the neighborhood senior center, as well as accessibility improvements at other public facilities and outdoor spaces. The Lewis Center also hopes to convene walking groups, giving older adults the opportunity to exercise in a social setting.
Nearby AARP Community Challenge Projects
West Baton Rouge, LA
AARP Community Challenge Grant Year: 2021
Project Category: Engaging residents in vibrant public places
Description: The Arts Council of Greater Baton Rouge has been involved in community art and arts education for many years. The Council engaged professional writing instructors to hold two workshops for older adults in creative writing, poetry, self-publication and basic editing. They then invited participants to share their writing with the public at an open mic night. Project organizers also created a post-workshop online forum, allowing the cohort to continue writing together and receiving feedback on their work.
Baton Rouge, LA
AARP Community Challenge Grant Year: 2018
Project Category: Roadway/sidewalks/crosswalk improvement
Description: The Center for Planning Excellence set out to improve community health by promoting walking and biking in North Baton Rouge. Partnering with the local parks and recreation commission and utility departments, they improved lighting, directional signage and visibility in and around Longfellow Park. They also founded a walking club and staged a twilight walking event. Additionally, the Center launched a website with information about walking clubs, which also includes a tracking feature where residents can record their health status.
LEARN MORE AND STAY INFORMED
Find articles and resources about making communities more livable for people of all ages
Download or order free publications from AARP Livable Communities
Sign up for the free, weekly, award-winning AARP Livable Communities eNewsletter
Don't see your community listed?
LEARN HOW IT CAN JOIN THE NETWORKConnect with your AARP State Office
AARP has offices in all 50 states as well as in the District of Columbia, Puerto Rico and the U.S. Virgin Islands.
AARP Louisiana State Office
301 Main Street
Suite 1012
Baton Rouge, LA 70825
United States