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.

Washington, DC

AARP Community Challenge Grant Year: 2026

Project Category: Expansion and enhancement of transportation options

Description: Targeted outreach will expand awareness of a coordinated senior transportation service across Washington neighborhoods. Better connections will help more older adults reach food, services and activities.