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Berkley, MI
AARP Community Challenge Grant Year: 2024
Project Category: Walk Audits
Description: Downtown Berkley's main corridor lacked safe, walkable routes for older adults, even near age-restricted housing, limiting social connection and daily well-being. To address this, the agency led walk audits along Coolidge during a popular Halloween event, engaging residents and collecting feedback on sidewalks and crossings. Surveys highlighted ideas for streetscape upgrades during planned road reconstruction. The audits advanced dialogue on walkability and influenced city planning. One older adult shared, "When the weather is good and I get to walk through downtown my day instantly gets better. There are a lot of friends I get to see in different shops and on the street."
Project description was created using generative AI and then reviewed for accuracy.
Mulvane, KS
AARP Community Challenge Grant Year: 2024
Project Category: Walk Audits
Description: Poor sidewalks and crossings near local adult centers and the downtown area made walking unsafe for older adults in Mulvane. To address this, the foundation led walk audits, community meetings and mentorship sessions to identify hazards and propose solutions. Findings will inform the city's 10-year comprehensive plan and support grant applications for ADA upgrades and safer intersections. One volunteer called the experience eye-opening, saying she learned how audit data can drive funding and policy changes.
Project description was created using generative AI and then reviewed for accuracy.
North Augusta, SC
AARP Community Challenge Grant Year: 2024
Project Category: Walk Audits
Description: Uneven sidewalks and poorly marked crossings made downtown North Augusta difficult to navigate, especially for older adults. A walk audit engaged residents age 50-plus to identify hazards and suggest fixes. The project included two community meetings and immediate upgrades like better lighting and safer crossings. Findings informed updates to the downtown master plan and sparked momentum for long-term improvements. One participant said it felt empowering to voice concerns and later see changes such as traffic-calming features, making trips to meet friends or run errands more confident and enjoyable.
Project description was created using generative AI and then reviewed for accuracy.
Nearby AARP Community Challenge Projects
Buckhannon, WV
AARP Community Challenge Grant Year: 2021
Project Category: Public spaces improvements to increase high-speed internet availability
Description: Staff at the Upshur County Public Library hoped to turn an unsafe and unsightly building on the library's campus into a more useful space. To give visitors a space to access free Wi-Fi -- as well as relax, socialize and read -- the library worked to replace the building with an outdoor living room. After tearing down the structure, leveling out the site and seeding new grass, the library outfitted the space with ADA-compliant picnic tables, Adirondack chairs and planter boxes. They also installed outdoor charging stations to help residents access the internet, even while the library is closed. Volunteers with the West Virginia Master Gardeners planted native flowers onsite, and now use the greenspace to host gardening trainings. Organizers say the parklet is an important amenity for residents who lack access to greenspace.
Buckhannon, WV
AARP Community Challenge Grant Year: 2025
Project Category: Expanding HighSpeed Internet
Description: Upshur County Public Library responded to gaps in broadband access and digital skills that made it difficult for older adults to manage everyday online tasks. The library purchased laptops, hotspots and a large screen TV, then launched weekly classes across multiple community sites with volunteer support. Participants showed significant gains on post-tests and often returned for more training. The project prompted expansion into nearby counties and interest from other libraries. One participant with tremors benefited from an adaptive trackball mouse, showing how tailored tools can help older adults use technology with more confidence.
Project description was created using generative AI and then reviewed for accuracy.
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