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Pensacola, FL

AARP Community Challenge Grant Year: 2021

Project Category: Roadway/sidewalks/crosswalk improvement

Description: The Gonzalez Street Shareway in Pensacola is a wide, busy road dominated by cars. To demonstrate how the thoroughfare could accommodate both vehicles and pedestrians, Bike Pensacola conducted a one-day demonstration of traffic calming features. Bike Pensacola fabricated traffic circles and temporarily narrowed the roadway from four to two lanes. To test out the traffic control measures, about 300 bicyclists participated in a slow ride along the Shareway, cycling between three Pensacola parks. Additionally, Bike Pensacola partnered with local businesses and organizations to bring a local art market to the shareway including a sidewalk book sale, food trucks, self-guided walking tours and a scavenger hunt.

Anchorage, AK

AARP Community Challenge Grant Year: 2024

Project Category: Roadway/sidewalks/crosswalk improvement

Description: In Anchorage's Fairview neighborhood, older adults faced hazardous winter walks as snow buried sidewalks and bus stops, forcing them into traffic. A pilot project organized five Snowfighters who cleared sidewalks after three major storms, installed snow markers and delivered flyers to 50 homes. Their work restored safe routes to nearby housing and transit stops, allowing older adults to walk without risking icy streets. Residents praised the effort for improving safety and community connection and plans are underway to expand the volunteer program to other blocks for lasting winter mobility solutions.

Fort Wayne, IN

AARP Community Challenge Grant Year: 2023

Project Category: Roadway/sidewalks/crosswalk improvement

Description: Trail users often passed Stillwater Hospice without knowing its prairie and pond were open to the public, and the existing path was inaccessible for people with mobility challenges. The project installed ADA-compliant curb cuts, flattened a steep curve and added a cement pad for bike racks, a trash can and doggie pot. New directional and educational signs now guide visitors and highlight prairie features. A retired cyclist noted that she rides past this area all the time but did not know about the pond or prairie until the new signs and ADA ramps went in, and that she looks forward to returning. These changes are expected to boost community walks and bike rides starting from Stillwater Hospice.

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.

Weston, WV

AARP Community Challenge Grant Year: 2024

Project Category: Walk Audits

Description: Walk audits will evaluate pedestrian safety conditions along two busy roads connecting a senior center with a commercial area. The commission will share findings at community meetings to advocate for walkability improvements.

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