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Sports Backers (2020) Print
2020 AARP Community Challenge Grantee
Project Category
Transportation
└ Roadway/sidewalks/crosswalk improvement
└ Roadway/sidewalks/crosswalk improvement
Hundreds of elementary school students cross busy Lynhaven Avenue each day on their way to school in Richmond's Bellemeade neighborhood. Walk audits and other community engagement efforts have shown speeding and distracted driving are a common issue on the street. To slow down traffic and improve safety, Sports Backers commissioned local artists to create pavement murals at two intersections. Project organizers hope murals catch the attention of motorists, encouraging them to pay attention to the road and slow down.
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See More Projects Like This One
La Crosse, WI
AARP Community Challenge Grant Year: 2023
Project Category: Roadway/sidewalks/crosswalk improvement
Description: This project will revitalize a frequently used route and make it more accessible to residents aged 50 by adding improvements such as a new crosswalk with art, a covered bus shelter and seats, light posts with decorative banners and other amenities.
Chicago, IL
AARP Community Challenge Grant Year: 2023
Project Category: Roadway/sidewalks/crosswalk improvement
Description: Busy intersections along 79th Street posed serious safety risks for pedestrians, including older adults, in one of Chicago's high-crash corridors. To slow traffic and improve visibility, the initiative installed colorful pavement art at key crossings and trained local youth to assist with the work, giving them new trade skills. Residents say the redesigned intersections feel safer and easier to navigate. The project is expected to reduce pedestrian accidents and has sparked plans for similar improvements along the corridor, reinforcing efforts to make the area safer and more vibrant.
Project description was created using generative AI and then reviewed for accuracy.
Dallas, TX
AARP Community Challenge Grant Year: 2021
Project Category: Roadway/sidewalks/crosswalk improvement
Description: As part of Vision Zero efforts to reduce traffic fatalities, the City of Dallas made improvements to a crosswalk at a major intersection. Many residents traverse the crossing at N. Jim Miller Road and Elam Road to reach apartment buildings, schools, churches and recreational trails. The City installed a new flashing beacon, which activates when pedestrians push a button, along with new countdown displays that tell people how long they have to cross the street. The improvements help alert drivers to people in the crosswalk, making collisions less likely.
Nearby AARP Community Challenge Projects
Richmond, VA
AARP Community Challenge Grant Year: 2024
Project Category: HomeFit Modifications
Description: Many affordable homes lacked accessibility features, making aging in place difficult for older adults and people with disabilities. To address this, Livability Initiative implemented 57 modifications across five homes. It also trained staff using the AARP HomeFit Guide. Laminated checklists and digital tools were provided to standardize assessments and ensure replicable processes. These changes improved safety and usability while raising awareness of accessible housing. One volunteer said, "Hearing that there are so many low-cost solutions, I'm inspired to make changes to my own home and implement these simple ideas."
Project description was created using generative AI and then reviewed for accuracy.
Richmond, VA
AARP Community Challenge Grant Year: 2018
Project Category: Community Gardens
Description: The Greater Richmond Age Wave Coalition hoped to beautify the Green Park neighborhood and foster relationships between neighbors. To do this, the nonprofit worked to provide community gardening opportunities to residents. To allow older adults to grow produce at home, the nonprofit built 25 garden boxes. Additionally, they created an outdoor courtyard space with raised garden beds at Highland Park Apartments. The Coalition hired local youth to construct and deliver the self-water boxes. The Coalition also held two community gardening events. To help people participate, they offset a portion of public transportation fares for attendees. The Age Wave Coalition's gardening efforts operate under the talent-sharing model, which connects experienced gardeners with people interested learning more about growing fruits, vegetables, flowers and herbs.
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