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Town of Bedford (2019) Print
2019 AARP Community Challenge Grantee
Project Category
Transportation
└ Trails
└ Trails
The Town of Bedford installed benches, bike racks, signage and trash cans along walking and bike routes, including a path known locally as the Loop, as well as two newer paths. The Town created a map to display in kiosks, which show three different options for walking the paths. Public art was a focus of this project -- the benches and racks were designed by local artists and a local metal fabrication company built them. To include residents in the planning process, the Town held a Design the Sign workshop, where attendees suggested their ideas for sign graphics. An artist then incorporated those suggestions in the final design. Project organizers say improvements to the Loop have brought awareness for the Town's efforts to revitalize the Bridge Street area.
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Poplar Bluff, MO
AARP Community Challenge Grant Year: 2023
Project Category: Trails
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Frederiksted, VI
AARP Community Challenge Grant Year: 2023
Project Category: Trails
Description: This project will improve the Adventure Nature Trail with new features, including a restored pavilion, benches and picnic tables, and signs identifying tree species and describing the area's history.
Hebron, NE
AARP Community Challenge Grant Year: 2020
Project Category: Trails
Description: The walking trail along the Little Blue River on Hebron's south side is an important pedestrian artery, connecting an area hospital and wellness center with camping, outdoor sports and fitness facilities. To improve public safety and expand the hours when residents can use the path, Hebron installed solar-powered lights. The Thayer County Walking Coalition, a local advocacy group, has worked to convince local officials to improve the trail and promote its use. With their input, the City has increased the length of local trails by about two miles in recent years. Going forward, the coalition and City hope to install lighting along additional trail segments.
Nearby AARP Community Challenge Projects
Lynchburg, VA
AARP Community Challenge Grant Year: 2021
Project Category: Public space activation
Description: To organizers with the Downtown Lynchburg Association, an underused, dead-end street had potential to draw visitors downtown. The Association transformed the space into Art Alley -- a vibrant, outdoor art gallery. To activate the space, volunteers covered the pavement in turquoise, orange, pink and green paint. They also set up string lights overhead to provide illumination. Finally, they created the Spark Joy Gallery by installing panels that display digital artworks. Project organizers say the placemaking effort has since inspired nearby property owners to spruce up their building facades, and the Art Alley has become a must-see for tourists passing through town.
Roanoke, VA
AARP Community Challenge Grant Year: 2023
Project Category: Housing Choice Design Competitions
Description: The project will stage an accessory dwelling unit design competition that will increase public awareness of this housing option. The competition will result in a set of plans that homeowners and developers can use to build an ADU on a single-family residential lot.
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