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Sheboygan, WI
AARP Community Challenge Grant Year: 2019
Project Category: Improved wayfinding
Description: The City of Sheboygan augmented its downtown historical walking tour by creating a mobile app to teach residents and tourists about the city's heritage. The app was based on StriveOn, a platform designed to tell stories about local places. Additionally, the City installed signs and created printed paper maps for people who don't use smartphones or computers. The effort involved local businesses -- and their unique buildings -- in the tour. Project organizers hope the walking tour gets people interested in historical preservation and increases opportunities for physical activity.
Poultney, VT
AARP Community Challenge Grant Year: 2025
Project Category: Improved wayfinding
Description: This project in support of the Poultney River Loop will enable the creation of new maps, kiosks, wayfinding posts and blazes to enhance navigability. These improvements aim to create a safer and more inclusive trail experience.
Charlotte, NC
AARP Community Challenge Grant Year: 2019
Project Category: Improved wayfinding
Description: Sustain Charlotte hoped to build enthusiasm for the concept of ten-minute neighborhoods -- places where people can meet their daily needs without needing to own a car. Based on input from residents of Charlotte's North End, the organization designed and installed 86 wayfinding signs. Each displays a QR code, which visitors can scan with their smartphones to view a map of neighborhood amenities, including parks and recreation centers, schools and public transportation. Following this project, Sustain Charlotte has continued its relationship with North End residents. The North End Community Coalition now serves on the steering committee for the Charlotte Regional Transportation Coalition, which Sustain Charlotte started in 2020. That coalition advocates for equity-centered transportation improvements, which include pedestrian and bike infrastructure. Since then, the City has increased its budget for transportation projects to make biking and walking safer.
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Salt Lake City, UT
AARP Community Challenge Grant Year: 2024
Project Category: Engaging people in transportation options/safety
Description: Older adults in Salt Lake City often feel overlooked in transit planning, leaving them isolated in neighborhoods divided by highways and poor air quality. HEAL addressed this by hosting walk audits and listening sessions, creating a toolkit for residents, and partnering with the transit authority to teach residents how to use buses and apply for reduced fares. These efforts amplified older voices in city studies and boosted independence by showing practical routes and services. One participant said learning about a nearby bus line made them feel less dependent on rides from family and friends.
Project description was created using generative AI and then reviewed for accuracy.
Salt Lake City, UT
AARP Community Challenge Grant Year: 2018
Project Category: Community Gardens
Description: Salt Lake City's Taylorsville neighborhood is home to refugee families from Syria, Myanmar and Afghanistan. Many new residents, however, struggle with social isolation. To help people feel connected, Salt Lake County created a community garden at the local senior center. Volunteers built four raised beds and the County provided ergonomic gardening equipment, seeds and starter plants. Project organizers say the opportunity to garden gives older adults -- who were often farmers and ranchers in their native countries -- a renewed sense of purpose. Gardening also allows them to form relationships with their neighbors.
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