Washington, DC

AARP Community Challenge Grant Year: 2021

Project Category: Public or private transit access

Description: While Washington, D.C. has a robust public transit system, rider amenities are not consistent throughout the city and the Pennsylvania Avenue East Corridor is particularly underserved. The city's Office of Planning hoped to use creative placemaking techniques to make waiting for the bus safer and more comfortable. Project organizers worked with local artists to design and build an Imagination Bench, which they placed on a well-used bus route. The bench has solar-powered illumination and a QR code on its side directs viewers to information about the bench and local planning efforts. Originally installed near Fort Dupont Park, planning staff intend to feature the brightly colored bench at the city's farmers markets, pop-up shops and other community events.

Tallahassee, FL

AARP Community Challenge Grant Year: 2024

Project Category: Public or private transit access

Description: This project will teach older adults skills needed to navigate public transportation independently. The city's transit provider will offer trainings to residents at no cost.

Westport, MA

AARP Community Challenge Grant Year: 2022

Project Category: Public or private transit access

Description: This project established a fixed-route transportation service for older adults, operating one day per week between common shopping, banking and medical destinations in this rural community.