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Main Street Batesville (2019) Print
2019 AARP Community Challenge Grantee
Project Category
Transportation
└ Roadway/sidewalks/crosswalk improvement
└ Roadway/sidewalks/crosswalk improvement
Inspired by the momentum of a three-year beautification effort, Main Street Batesville made upgrades to a sidewalk that had fallen into disrepair. The improved walkway, which connects Main Street to nearby Mayfield Park, includes new concrete slabs featuring inlaid brick directional arrows. To pay homage to local history, the sidewalk incorporates bricks from the Alder building, a landmark that recently suffered from a wall collapse. Project organizers say the new, even surface is now safer to walk on. Placemaking efforts also involved adding a mural and signage directing people to Mayfield park.
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See More Projects Like This One
Gardiner, ME
AARP Community Challenge Grant Year: 2018
Project Category: Roadway/sidewalks/crosswalk improvement
Description: The City of Gardiner hoped to improve accessibility by replacing crumbling sidewalks at the Gardiner Public Library -- and they wanted to ensure the community had a voice in the process. They put together a table display at the library, which featured photos of existing sidewalk issues, as well as examples of alternative sidewalk designs. They then invited library visitors to fill out a short survey with their design suggestions. Additionally, they consulted local older adult groups and held an event at the library. Based on community feedback, they installed 100 feet of new concrete sidewalk with a brick border. Organizers say community engagement resulted in larger conversations about accessibility and walkability throughout Gardiner, resulting in upgrades in a local park.
Guaynabo, PR
AARP Community Challenge Grant Year: 2018
Project Category: Roadway/sidewalks/crosswalk improvement
Description: To make walking in Guaynabo safer, this project set up to add crosswalks to several intersections along San Patricio Avenue.
DeRidder, LA
AARP Community Challenge Grant Year: 2018
Project Category: Roadway/sidewalks/crosswalk improvement
Description: The City of DeRidder set out to improve walkability, allowing residents to reach cultural amenities and social opportunities on foot. They worked to install accessible sidewalks, paint crosswalk to make them more visible and add wayfinding signage downtown. The city's core is home to government offices, a public library branch, a theater and art gallery and a regular farmers market, as well as a pocket park and downtown pavilion.
Nearby AARP Community Challenge Projects
Heber Springs, AR
AARP Community Challenge Grant Year: 2023
Project Category: Addressing community health
Description: This project will help make needed infrastructure improvements to the largest free meal site in the county, which primarily serves low-income older adults.
Heber Springs, AR
AARP Community Challenge Grant Year: 2024
Project Category: Addressing community health
Description: This project will replace broken heating and air conditioning unit in a community dining room, creating a comfortable space for the patrons to enjoy a free meal.
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