AARP Hearing Center
AARP Livable Communities Map
East Loop Community Improvement District (2022) Print
2022 AARP Community Challenge Grantee
Project Category
Transportation
└ Roadway/sidewalks/crosswalk improvement
└ Roadway/sidewalks/crosswalk improvement
Long stretches of Delmar Boulevard lacked safe crossings, isolating neighborhoods and limiting access to businesses. The district installed two pedestrian crosswalks and added vibrant artwork designed with community input. These changes improve safety and walkability while symbolically bridging a historic divide. Residents and business owners collaborated on the design, fostering unity and sparking momentum for future streetscape improvements.
Project description was created using generative AI and then reviewed for accuracy.
Project description was created using generative AI and then reviewed for accuracy.
Photo Gallery
Image:
Click on a photo to learn more
See More Projects Like This One
Spearfish, SD
AARP Community Challenge Grant Year: 2022
Project Category: Roadway/sidewalks/crosswalk improvement
Description: Busy street crossings and unclear signage along Spearfish's recreation path made navigation risky, especially for older adults and people with disabilities. The city addressed these issues by installing large directional signs, painting crosswalks, adding pedestrian alerts and building ADA-compliant ramps. Volunteers helped assemble signs, and a kiosk with a new map now guides users. These upgrades improved safety and accessibility, giving residents confidence to enjoy the path and inspiring additional investments to expand improvements.
Project description was created using generative AI and then reviewed for accuracy.
Newburgh, NY
AARP Community Challenge Grant Year: 2017
Project Category: Roadway/sidewalks/crosswalk improvement
Description: As part of Orange County's Complete Streets program, the City of Newburgh staged a pop-up demonstration showcasing street safety improvements on Lake Street. To narrow the distance needed to cross the street and make pedestrians more visible to drivers, project organizers painted bump-outs at intersections. They added temporary barriers around the bump-outs to separate them from street traffic. Decorative planters further protected and beatified the space. Additionally, the City used stencils to paint brightly colored polka dots on the sidewalk surface, creating a sense of fun around the intersection.
Jenkins, KY
AARP Community Challenge Grant Year: 2024
Project Category: Roadway/sidewalks/crosswalk improvement
Description: Cracked sidewalks along Jenkins' main corridor made trips to the library, pharmacy and city hall risky for older adults in nearby housing. Appalshop repaired walkways and added wheelchair ramps, restoring safe access to essential services. A striking Luna Moth mural now anchors the corridor, symbolizing resilience after the 2022 flood and offering a space for reflection. Residents say the upgrades let them walk with confidence and reconnect socially, while the improvements set the stage for future projects like the planned Tanglewood Trail.
Project description was created using generative AI and then reviewed for accuracy.
Nearby AARP Community Challenge Projects
St. Louis, MO
AARP Community Challenge Grant Year: 2025
Project Category: Pedestrian Safety
Description: Older adults at Hylton Point faced daily risks because drivers used the circular driveway as a shortcut, creating unsafe conditions at the building entrance and a nearby school. EverTrue installed speed bumps with signage, painted crosswalks and added secure bicycle storage to slow traffic and support active living. A safety fair drew older adults, students and workers who shared concerns and learned safe walking practices. One resident said the new bike storage gave them peace of mind. Surveys showed people felt safer and more connected, and the work prompted discussions about a future crosswalk signal.
Project description was created using generative AI and then reviewed for accuracy.
St. Louis, MO
AARP Community Challenge Grant Year: 2024
Project Category: Community Gardens
Description: North St. Louis faces severe food insecurity, leaving older adults with limited access to fresh produce and safe outdoor spaces. Urban Harvest STL grew over 1,000 pounds of food at Fresh Starts Garden, donating most to programs serving older adults. The team installed accessible raised beds and picnic tables and repaired a generator to help power tools, making gardening easier for those with mobility challenges. Volunteers and apprentices age 50-plus joined in, and the season ended with a celebration of 100 community members. The garden manager said, "Gardening is very rewarding... The garden benefits the whole community because they get to see something positive going on."
Project description was created using generative AI and then reviewed for accuracy.
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 Missouri State Office
9200 Ward Parkway
Suite 350
Kansas City, MO 64114
United States