AARP Hearing Center
AARP Livable Communities Map
ReBUILD Johnston Square Neighborhood Organization (2021) Print
2021 AARP Community Challenge Grantee
Project Category
Transportation
└ Roadway/sidewalks/crosswalk improvement
└ Roadway/sidewalks/crosswalk improvement
Many intersections in the Johnson Square neighborhood were unsafe for pedestrians, and especially for children walking to school. The Re-Build Johnson Square Neighborhood Organization created the Bee Safe program, a crosswalk art project. Local teenagers and other residents worked together to create artistic crosswalks, meant to slow down traffic by catching driver's attention. Volunteers worked to paint floral designs onto the pavement. Other improvements -- including flexible delineators and painted bump-outs -- separate pedestrians from street traffic and shorten the distance needed to walk across the street. Additionally, project organizers added a new crosswalk with accessible ramps at the main crossing point to and from the local elementary school.
Photo Gallery
Image:
Click on a photo to learn more
See More Projects Like This One
Baton Rouge, LA
AARP Community Challenge Grant Year: 2018
Project Category: Roadway/sidewalks/crosswalk improvement
Description: The Center for Planning Excellence set out to improve community health by promoting walking and biking in North Baton Rouge. Partnering with the local parks and recreation commission and utility departments, they improved lighting, directional signage and visibility in and around Longfellow Park. They also founded a walking club and staged a twilight walking event. Additionally, the Center launched a website with information about walking clubs, which also includes a tracking feature where residents can record their health status.
Honolulu, HI
AARP Community Challenge Grant Year: 2023
Project Category: Roadway/sidewalks/crosswalk improvement
Description: Dangerous multi-lane crossings left pedestrians navigating long gaps in traffic, with low vehicle yield rates that created daily safety concerns for people walking to homes, bus stops and community services. The project installed new signs, fresh pavement markings and a solar-powered rapid-flashing beacon to make the crosswalk more visible. Yield rates rose from 60 to 87 percent after installation, improving comfort for people on foot. One community member said, "Thank you for this, I feel better walking here." The pilot also showed the city it could deliver similar safety fixes more quickly at other high-need sites.
Toledo, IA
AARP Community Challenge Grant Year: 2022
Project Category: Roadway/sidewalks/crosswalk improvement
Description: Crossing Highway 30 was dangerous for pedestrians, cutting off access to groceries, pharmacies and schools. The committee installed ADA-compliant crosswalks with flashing beacons and curb ramps, plus short sidewalk sections to improve safety. The project spurred plans for more upgrades and even influenced a bond issue for a new school nearby. Two older adults now bike 1.5 miles to aerobics class using the new crosswalk, showing how small changes can transform daily routines.
Nearby AARP Community Challenge Projects
Baltimore, MD
AARP Community Challenge Grant Year: 2019
Project Category: Developing projects based on residents' priorities
Description: As part of a smart cities initiative, the Office of Information and Technology developed an online tool to allow residents and businesses to access city services, such as applying for government services and paying taxes. Project organizers hope the tool will help city residents have an efficient experience when they engage with local government functions.
Baltimore, MD
AARP Community Challenge Grant Year: 2021
Project Category: Bringing resident insight and volunteer power into local government
Description: Organizers with the Maryland Volunteer Lawyers Service hoped to help Baltimore's older adults advocate for their housing, health and consumer needs. To do this, they hosted a series of trainings for older adults. The meetings allowed participants to share their lived experiences and strategize about how to achieve their advocacy goals and reach policymakers. Equipped with new skills, the residents then took part in a public hearing, testified before the Baltimore City Council and submitted public comments to proposed regulations. Through this engagement, raining participants made their voices heard on water affordability, reverse mortgages, tax sales and other issues.
LEARN MORE AND STAY INFORMED
Find articles and resources about making communities more livable for people of all ages
Download or order free publications from AARP Livable Communities
Sign up for the free, weekly, award-winning AARP Livable Communities eNewsletter
Don't see your community listed?
LEARN HOW IT CAN JOIN THE NETWORKConnect with your AARP State Office
AARP has offices in all 50 states as well as in the District of Columbia, Puerto Rico and the U.S. Virgin Islands.
AARP Maryland State Office
200 St. Paul Place
Suite 2510
Baltimore, MD 21202
United States