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Benton, AR
AARP Community Challenge Grant Year: 2019
Project Category: Roadway/sidewalks/crosswalk improvement
Description: Benton city officials wanted the crosswalks in its downtown district to reflect the grandeur of the city's elegant courthouse building, located nearby. First, the City compiled four possible designs for new-artistic crosswalks. Then they reached out to residents via social media, asking them to vote for their favorite option. Nearly 2,000 responded, with the initial vote so close that the City had to hold a runoff. After the tiebreaker, they then installed two wide, visually compelling crosswalks showcasing the winning herringbone pattern.
West Sacramento, CA
AARP Community Challenge Grant Year: 2017
Project Category: Roadway/sidewalks/crosswalk improvement
Description: Residents of a senior apartment complex complained that the intersection connecting them to a senior apartment complex to West Sacramento's City Hall, senior center, library and transit center was difficult to cross. To help residents safely reach local amenities, the City of West Sacramento installed countdown timers, pedestrian-controlled crosswalk buttons and talking signals. Since the upgrades, the City reports no older adults have been struck by cars at the intersection. And the project's success has inspired West Sacramento officials to incorporate age-friendly elements in other infrastructure projects, including future crosswalk improvements.
Fort Wayne, IN
AARP Community Challenge Grant Year: 2022
Project Category: Roadway/sidewalks/crosswalk improvement
Description: Fort Wayne's Wells Street corridor lacked safe crossings and inviting spaces, leaving pedestrians vulnerable. The project improved three crosswalks and activated unused areas with seating, lighting and planters. Volunteers built furniture and hosted events that fostered social connections and safer movement. One organizer mentioned that residents now request more gatherings and using the new furniture and planters, leading to a better sense of community.
Project description was created using generative AI and then reviewed for accuracy.
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Milton, DE
AARP Community Challenge Grant Year: 2023
Project Category: Public or private transit access
Description: Many older adults lacked reliable transportation to medical appointments, creating delays in care and added stress for people who could not drive. The project formed a nursing-transportation partnership that offered an on-demand ride option managed through a virtual platform and supported by a phone line for scheduling. Volunteers trained as care coordinators helped residents request rides, and vouchers were set aside for medical and dental trips. The effort raised awareness about gaps in transportation and prompted plans to build a sustainable model that expands travel training and partnerships. One resident said, "It's comforting to know there are people out there who can be called upon in times of need," reflecting how the service eased concerns about accessing care.
Project description was created using generative AI and then reviewed for accuracy.
Milton, DE
AARP Community Challenge Grant Year: 2023
Project Category: Public or private transit access
Description: The project addressed the lack of places in Milton to rest while walking or waiting for rides, which made it harder for older adults and other residents to stay active or use public transit. The project installed three benches, which were placed near transit stops and community destinations. This gave travelers comfortable spots to pause during daily trips. The benches quickly became gathering points where residents waited for buses, rested between errands and visited with neighbors. One user called them "a blessing," noting how they helped people who rely on transit manage their routines with more ease.
Project description was created using generative AI and then reviewed for accuracy.
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