AARP Hearing Center
AARP Livable Communities Map
Shelby Park Neighborhood Association (2023) Print
2023 AARP Community Challenge Grantee
Project Category
Transportation
└ Walkability
└ Walkability
Unsafe sidewalks and crossings near a community garden left older adults struggling to navigate an area dominated by interstate ramps and a deteriorating pedestrian bridge. The association led three walk audits, documented hazards and pressed officials for change. They restriped Preston Street to add a bike lane, cleared invasive plants to improve visibility and enhanced the garden entryway with salvaged historic materials. These efforts sparked city and state engagement on redesign plans and gave residents a stronger voice in shaping safer streets. One organizer said "I've personally had many close calls attempting to cross these streets," making the need for improvements clear.
Project description was created using generative AI and then reviewed for accuracy.
Project description was created using generative AI and then reviewed for accuracy.
Photo Gallery
Image:
Click on a photo to learn more
See More Projects Like This One
Rochester, MN
AARP Community Challenge Grant Year: 2023
Project Category: Walkability
Description: Sidewalks in one Rochester neighborhood lacked safe, walkable routes, putting pedestrians, especially older adults, at risk. To address this, the organization led 12 walk audits covering dozens of blocks, drawing a large group to identify hazards and assets. The effort demonstrated how audits could shape city planning and was incorporated into the sidewalk improvement process. It also sparked interest in expanding audits to other neighborhoods and transit projects, showing strong community engagement in creating safer, age-friendly streets.
Project description was created using generative AI and then reviewed for accuracy.
Highland, CA
AARP Community Challenge Grant Year: 2023
Project Category: Walkability
Description: Highlanders Boxing Club organized walk audits to address street safety concerns and promote walkability for older residents. The events brought older adults and youth together to identify hazards and learn about safer routes, creating a sense of community while raising awareness. The effort sparked plans for ongoing walks, with one participant saying the experience "was a true blessing" because it gave her a chance to connect after long periods of isolation.
Project description was created using generative AI and then reviewed for accuracy.
Woodstock, NY
AARP Community Challenge Grant Year: 2023
Project Category: Walkability
Description: Walk audits in Woodstock exposed dangerous intersections and barriers for older adults and people with disabilities, including poor crosswalks and speeding traffic. The project organized five audits and two community meetings, raising awareness and building support for a grant to add a pedestrian and bike path. Officials pledged stronger safety measures, and one participant using a rollator said the process gave her hope that changes could make it possible to navigate town safely.
Project description was created using generative AI and then reviewed for accuracy.
Nearby AARP Community Challenge Projects
Louisville, KY
AARP Community Challenge Grant Year: 2020
Project Category: Public or private transit access
Description: To provide a safe, comfortable space for older residents who are waiting for transportation, ElderServe set out to install a bus stop shelter near a popular Senior Center. Work involved pouring a new concrete slab for the shelter to level out the site.
Louisville, KY
AARP Community Challenge Grant Year: 2020
Project Category: Public space activation
Description: This project made a series of placemaking improvements to the Woodlawn Avenue business district, located in the Beechmont neighborhood. First, the Center for Neighborhoods added pedestrian-level lighting along the street to improve safety. They also converted three parking spaces into an outdoor cafe space. Originally meant to be temporary, the picnic area's popularity spurred project organizers to create Louisville's first permanent parklet in the spot, which includes a deck, seating, a green wall and planter boxes. Beautification efforts also included activating a nearby alleyway. That included painting a mural for the space, which community members named Beechmont Alley. New, accessible parking spaces helped make the corridor more welcoming to people of all ability levels.
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 Kentucky State Office
10401 Linn Station Road
Suite 121
Louisville, KY 40223
United States