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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
Truth or Consequences, NM
AARP Community Challenge Grant Year: 2017
Project Category: Roadway/sidewalks/crosswalk improvement
Description: Main Street Truth or Consequences set out to improve the walkability of downtown Truth or Consequences. The small New Mexico city got its name from a 1950s TV show and is known for its colorful annual fiesta that features a parade, calf roping and a rubber duck race on the Rio Grande. This project replaced deteriorated sidewalks and reduced tripping hazards. The organization also created its Walk Downtown outreach program to encourage residents to take up walking. Walking remains a popular activity in Truth and Consequences thanks in part to the three-mile-long Healing Waters Trail, which starts and ends downtown.
St. Paul, MN
AARP Community Challenge Grant Year: 2017
Project Category: Roadway/sidewalks/crosswalk improvement
Description: The city government in St. Paul hoped to enhance walkability through safety improvements at two unmarked pedestrian crossings along Marion Street. To accomplish that, the city created two long-term temporary crosswalks at Ravoux and Fuller Streets. The work included adding pedestrian crosswalk signs, painting high-visibility block-pattern crosswalk markings and installing pedestrian refuge islands and bump-outs. The city also restricted parking near the intersections and installed a temporary radar speed sign along the corridor. The project enabled local government agencies and civic organizations to gather data needed to support permanent crosswalks upgrades in the area. Using the results, the city began its re-envisioning Marion Street as a pedestrian-friendly, multi-modal corridor in 2021.
Spearfish, SD
AARP Community Challenge Grant Year: 2022
Project Category: Roadway/sidewalks/crosswalk improvement
Description: Busy street crossings and unclear signage along Spearfish's recreation path made navigation risky, especially for older adults and people with disabilities. The city addressed these issues by installing large directional signs, painting crosswalks, adding pedestrian alerts and building ADA-compliant ramps. Volunteers helped assemble signs, and a kiosk with a new map now guides users. These upgrades improved safety and accessibility, giving residents confidence to enjoy the path and inspiring additional investments to expand improvements.
Project description was created using generative AI and then reviewed for accuracy.
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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