Wayne, ME

AARP Community Challenge Grant Year: 2017

Project Category: Roadway/sidewalks/crosswalk improvement

Description: The downtown area of Wayne, Maine, appears suddenly to drivers traveling along Route 133, a busy state highway. Because of curves in the road and a hill, pedestrians crossing Main Street often aren't visible to drivers until the last second. Logging trucks and other large trucks race through town, barely slowing down as they do, said Stan Davis, chair of the community's aging-at-home committee. To make pedestrians more noticeable, Aging at Home installed flashing Reduce Speed at either end of Wayne's downtown area. The town also purchased portable pedestrian crossing signs. Spurred by the success of the improvements, they plan to continue advocating for sidewalks in central Wayne to make walking even safer.

Augusta, GA

AARP Community Challenge Grant Year: 2018

Project Category: Park enhancements

Description: Organizers with the Augusta Recreation and Parks Department noticed people were driving their vehicles into Henry H. Brigham Park, making park users feel unsafe. This project set out to prevent this, keeping a walking track, basketball court and playground area free from cars and trucks. The Department installed bollards, as well as benches -- which served the dual purpose of giving park patrons a place to rest. Additionally, organizers planted shade trees to make the park more appealing in the summer heat. To draw visitors, the Department also worked to increase recreational programming in the park, including Tai Chi classes.

Aurora, CO

AARP Community Challenge Grant Year: 2020

Project Category: Accessory dwelling units, tiny homes and manufactured housing

Description: This project supported ongoing efforts to create 92 permanently affordable condos in Denver's Santa Fe arts district. Situated around a common courtyard, the housing development sits on the former footprint of two single-family homes. The increased housing density makes space for more people attain homeownership in the neighborhood. Energy efficient appliances, solar power and low-flow plumbing fixtures contribute to each home's energy efficiency. Since its completion, project organizers say the project has inspired affordable housing development elsewhere in Denver.