See More Projects Like This One

Bedford, VA

AARP Community Challenge Grant Year: 2019

Project Category: Trails

Description: The Town of Bedford installed benches, bike racks, signage and trash cans along walking and bike routes, including a path known locally as the Loop, as well as two newer paths. The Town created a map to display in kiosks, which show three different options for walking the paths. Public art was a focus of this project -- the benches and racks were designed by local artists and a local metal fabrication company built them. To include residents in the planning process, the Town held a Design the Sign workshop, where attendees suggested their ideas for sign graphics. An artist then incorporated those suggestions in the final design. Project organizers say improvements to the Loop have brought awareness for the Town's efforts to revitalize the Bridge Street area.

Tampa, FL

AARP Community Challenge Grant Year: 2025

Project Category: Trails

Description: This project will fill a 750-foot sidewalk gap on East 12th Avenue, improving pedestrian safety and accessibility. This will enhance walkability for residents, especially those age 50 and over, and connect them to key destinations.

Navassa, NC

AARP Community Challenge Grant Year: 2023

Project Category: Trails

Description: Brunswick County's older population needed safe outdoor spaces for exercise and social connection while preserving Gullah Geechee heritage. The project launched a demonstration trail with ADA-compliant features, benches, markers and cultural storyboards, unveiled during a ribbon-cutting event. The effort sparked regional collaboration and a feasibility study for a 14-mile corridor linking historic sites and greenways. One attendee said the celebration "brought tears to my eyes and a smile to my face," reflecting its cultural and community significance.

Nearby AARP Community Challenge Projects

Manchester, CT

AARP Community Challenge Grant Year: 2024

Project Category: Community Gardens

Description: To combat food insecurity and isolation, the organization transformed its property into a welcoming outdoor space with raised garden beds and picnic tables. Volunteers maintained the gardens, which yielded tomatoes, peppers, eggplant, okra, watermelon and herbs for free distribution. A ribbon-cutting event marked the opening, and older adults embraced the space as a place to share meals and conversation. The project not only provided fresh produce to improve nutrition, but also fostered inclusion and strengthened community ties. It has created a vibrant setting that will expand in future seasons.

Wethersfield, CT

AARP Community Challenge Grant Year: 2019

Project Category: Bikeability

Description: To improve the walkability and bikeability Wethersfield, the Town installed bike racks, signage and benches at several locations, including recreational spaces, municipal facilities and commercial areas. In addition, the town created walk and bike path maps, which it posted online.

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