AARP Hearing Center
AARP Livable Communities Map
Flint Hills Metropolitan Planning Organization (2021) Print
2021 AARP Community Challenge Grantee
Project Category
Transportation
└ Roadway/sidewalks/crosswalk improvement
└ Roadway/sidewalks/crosswalk improvement
Manhattan's busiest intersections needed safety improvements for pedestrians and bicyclists. To address this, the Flint Hills Metropolitan Planning Organization installed curb extensions and pedestrian islands at key locations within the community, including in front of the local elementary school. The enhancements made the crossings more visible, placing priority on people rather than vehicles. Organizers say the project showed residents and government leadership that it's possible to improve walkability and make neighborhoods safer on a modest budget.
Photo Gallery
Image:
Click on a photo to learn more
See More Projects Like This One
Des Moines, IA
AARP Community Challenge Grant Year: 2024
Project Category: Roadway/sidewalks/crosswalk improvement
Description: This project will install signage in front of local businesses warning drivers to look out for cyclists and pedestrians using the roadway. The signs will support local Complete Streets efforts along busy Ingersoll Avenue by increasing accessibility and safety.
Yukon, OK
AARP Community Challenge Grant Year: 2024
Project Category: Roadway/sidewalks/crosswalk improvement
Description: This project will provide portable crosswalk signs for use during community events. Because existing signals do not allow adequate time to cross, this will improve safety for older adults, people with disabilities and families with small children.
Anchorage, AK
AARP Community Challenge Grant Year: 2019
Project Category: Roadway/sidewalks/crosswalk improvement
Description: Organizers with Bike Anchorage wanted to give neighbors a glimpse at what their streets could look like with tweaks to make them safer and more pedestrian-friendly. They equipped a trailer with cones, spray chalk, signage and other traffic calming supplies, ready to deploy to locations ripe for pop-up demonstrations. In one such demonstration at a busy intersection near the public library, volunteers installed a temporary roundabout which successfully calmed vehicle traffic. They also created a temporary protected bike lane downtown. The project has already inspired more permanent improvements -- officials have earmarked funds for a future roundabout at the site near the library.
Nearby AARP Community Challenge Projects
Rossville, KS
AARP Community Challenge Grant Year: 2023
Project Category: Trails
Description: This project will create a multipurpose trail to enable safe outdoor exercise and allow older adults to gain the health benefits of walking and biking.
Blue Rapids, KS
AARP Community Challenge Grant Year: 2022
Project Category: Park enhancements
Description: This project transformed a basketball court in City Park into two pickleball courts. The fast-paced, low-impact game is a cross between tennis and ping-pong and is popular among older adults. To attract more people to the sport, Blue Rapids Community Action Team also hosted an event teaching residents about how to play pickleball, as well as the game's health and social benefits.
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 Kansas State Office
6220 SW 29th Street
Suite 300
Topeka, KS 66614
United States