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Town of Payson (2019) Print
2019 AARP Community Challenge Grantee
Project Category
Transportation
└ Roadway/sidewalks/crosswalk improvement
└ Roadway/sidewalks/crosswalk improvement
Town officials, community members and local artists collaborated to construct downtown Payson's first ever crosswalk on historic Main Street. The artistic, accessible crosswalk debuted at the Olde Main Street Days festival, where volunteers helped local artists color in the crosswalk's playful design. The final product, which features two ADA-compliant ramps on either side of the crosswalk, is a functional piece of art that has since spurred three additional outdoor art installations near Main Street.
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Grove, OK
AARP Community Challenge Grant Year: 2023
Project Category: Roadway/sidewalks/crosswalk improvement
Description: Crossing busy highways in downtown Grove was risky for older adults, discouraging visits to shops and events. The city installed two pedestrian-activated lighted crosswalk signals, an advance warning signal and LED lights to improve safety and complement earlier ADA upgrades. These changes make it easier for residents to walk downtown and join festivals and shopping. One resident said, "Before the lighted crosswalk signals were installed... I stayed away from the downtown area and missed out on a lot of festivals and events. With the added crosswalk signals my friends and I enjoy visiting downtown Grove."
Project description was created using generative AI and then reviewed for accuracy.
Burnsville, MN
AARP Community Challenge Grant Year: 2018
Project Category: Roadway/sidewalks/crosswalk improvement
Description: Burnsville city staff identified four crosswalks in need of safety improvements. To make the crossings safter for people on foot, they installed flashing beacons, which pedestrians activate by pushing a button. The flashing lights alter drivers to people crossing the street, prompting them to slow down. They also repainted pavement striping, added signage and improved sidewalks to make them ADA-accessible. To evaluate the efficacy of the changes, the City conducted a pedestrian study after installation. The City is now working to educate drivers about the beacons and crosswalk safety.
Torrington, CT
AARP Community Challenge Grant Year: 2024
Project Category: Roadway/sidewalks/crosswalk improvement
Description: Older adults living near Prospect Street faced unsafe crossings to reach downtown shops and bus stops due to worn markings, poor asphalt and lack of ADA ramps. The project installed ADA-compliant ramps with tactile pads, solar-powered flashing beacons and new signage, replacing deteriorated surfaces for safer passage. These upgrades prompted the city to repave surrounding streets and plan similar improvements near other housing complexes. Residents welcomed the changes, saying they make trips downtown easier and safer.
Project description was created using generative AI and then reviewed for accuracy.
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Camp Verde, AZ
AARP Community Challenge Grant Year: 2022
Project Category: Park enhancements
Description: The Town of Camp Verde's Parks & Recreation Division thought the community's outdoor pool had potential as an event and education space. To achieve their vision, volunteers laid concrete pavers, installed shade structures and added picnic tables. They also constructed a new fence to the patio. The improvements allowed the Town to increase recreational programming onsite, including exercise classes and a summer camp. Additionally, families can lease the space for parties and other gatherings.
Camp Verde, AZ
AARP Community Challenge Grant Year: 2021
Project Category: Accessibility of amenities
Description: After a resident complained to the mayor that she couldn't walk the 1.6-mile trail circling Camp Verde's new multi-use park and outdoor sports complex without a spot to rest, project organizers set out to add amenities to make the path more accessible. The Camp Verde Parks and Recreation Department added eight benches along the trail, placing each bench in areas popular with older adults. The local Old Guys volunteer group, which brings together retired residents with construction expertise to do community improvement projects, did the installation. As construction continues on the sports complex, project organizers say they will look for additional places to offer seating, ensuring the facilities can welcome people of all ages and abilities.
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