See More Projects Like This One

Teaneck, NJ

AARP Community Challenge Grant Year: 2019

Project Category: Roadway/sidewalks/crosswalk improvement

Description: The Township of Teaneck installed rapid flashing beacons at a busy intersection to alert drivers of pedestrians crossing the street. Project organizers hoped making crosswalks safer would encourage walking, leading to better health outcomes for residents. Teaneck has since upgraded additional crosswalks by adding more flashing beacons, lit pedestrian crosswalk signs and improved pavement striping.

River Falls, WI

AARP Community Challenge Grant Year: 2023

Project Category: Roadway/sidewalks/crosswalk improvement

Description: A deteriorating intersection identified as a high-risk crash area posed safety challenges for pedestrians and cyclists, including older adults living nearby. The project installed high-visibility crosswalk markings, upgraded buttons with auditory signals and added bollards to create a protected bike lane and pedestrian corridor. Public art and a "paint the pavement" event engaged volunteers and raised awareness. These improvements made the crossing safer and more accessible, connected residents to downtown and trails and informed future bike and pedestrian plans.

Project description was created using generative AI and then reviewed for accuracy.

Manhattan, KS

AARP Community Challenge Grant Year: 2021

Project Category: Roadway/sidewalks/crosswalk improvement

Description: Manhattan's busiest intersections needed safety improvements for pedestrians and bicyclists. To address this, the Flint Hills Metropolitan Planning Organization installed curb extensions and pedestrian islands at key locations within the community, including in front of the local elementary school. The enhancements made the crossings more visible, placing priority on people rather than vehicles. Organizers say the project showed residents and government leadership that it's possible to improve walkability and make neighborhoods safer on a modest budget.

Nearby AARP Community Challenge Projects

Gassaway, WV

AARP Community Challenge Grant Year: 2024

Project Category: Trails

Description: Older adults using the 73-mile Elk River Trail lacked safe places to rest, limiting their ability to enjoy long walks or bike rides. The need was clear when a man in his 90s built a makeshift seat to pause during his daily mile-long walk. Partnering with the state's natural resources division, the Foundation installed 13 benches across multiple trailheads. Volunteers poured concrete pads for durability. The benches have prompted a walking club and a second "first-day walk" event, encouraging regular activity. One participant said, "As I get older, I need a place to sit down and rest a while before I move on," underscoring the benefits of this project.

Project description was created using generative AI and then reviewed for accuracy.

Gassaway, WV

AARP Community Challenge Grant Year: 2026

Project Category: Public space improvements to support recovery after extreme weather events

Description: A natural‑gas backup generator will be installed to power a community building during outages. The site will provide a safe place for warmth, cooling, medical device charging and internet access, especially for older adults.

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