Detroit, MI

AARP Community Challenge Grant Year: 2024

Project Category: Trails

Description: Unkept and unsafe streets left East Canfield Village residents, especially older adults, with few options for exercise or social connection. Canfield Consortium cleared vacant lots, planted trees, installed benches and added wayfinding signage. This created a pilot trail that links homes to parks and stores. The improvements boosted safety and encouraged outdoor activity. As one resident said, "The path gives us seniors a safe and beautiful way to stay active, connect with our neighbors and enjoy the outdoors."

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

Lakeland, FL

AARP Community Challenge Grant Year: 2023

Project Category: Trails

Description: Lakeland's Dixieland neighborhood lacked a safe route for older adults to reach Drane Park and nearby shops. The Hillcrest Street Connection added ADA ramps, striped crosswalks, speed humps and flashing beacons at key intersections. They also installed wayfinding signs linking three major walking and biking routes. These upgrades slowed traffic and improved safety, making it easier for residents to walk and connect with the broader trail network. As one neighborhood leader said, "The two speed bumps and the new crosswalk improvements have made this safer for both motorists and pedestrians."

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

Jackson, MS

AARP Community Challenge Grant Year: 2021

Project Category: Trails

Description: The City of Jackson is working to develop the Museum Trail -- a four-mile, multi-use path designed to improve community health and wellness, connect areas of interest within the community and promote active transportation. Building on this work, the Jackson Heart Foundation improved wayfinding along the corridor by installed railhead and mile markers. Organizers say the signage helps visitors understand where the trail begins and ends and provides them with information about ongoing work to improve the path. Volunteers also created a mural at the trail's entrance. And to promote the trail, project organizers launched a new website and offered branded tote bags for donors.