Berlin, NH

AARP Community Challenge Grant Year: 2025

Project Category: Transportation Other

Description: Older adults in the region often had to walk along fast, complex roadways to reach food and medical care. Many lacked access to a vehicle, making unsafe intersections a daily barrier. The Council used new traffic calming equipment to stage a pop-up at a busy Jackson intersection They temporarily converted a confusing Y-shaped layout into a clearer T-intersection with added crossings, lane markings and reclaimed space for public use with benches and tables. The demonstration helped residents and leaders visualize safer designs and showed how reducing conflict points can improve comfort for people walking or cycling. The project has increased interest in similar pop-ups across the region, and the reusable equipment will support ongoing demonstrations that inform future planning and possible capital improvements.

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

Tucson, AZ

AARP Community Challenge Grant Year: 2025

Project Category: Transportation Other

Description: This project will provide portable wheelchair ramps to enhance mobility and independence for older adults. It will help residents access homes and public spaces, reducing isolation and fostering community participation.

Missoula, MT

AARP Community Challenge Grant Year: 2025

Project Category: Transportation Other

Description: Missoula In Motion addressed speeding and unsafe crossings on neighborhood greenways that older adults and other residents use to reach schools, parks and local services. Although the city had installed traffic calming features, conflicts between drivers and people walking continued, especially at busy intersections. The project added two artist-designed street murals at key crossings, created with hands-on help from residents during an open streets event and volunteer paint days that included older adults. The murals increased visibility and signaled that the streets are shared spaces, prompting drivers to slow and pay attention. One community leader said, “This intersection has become the primary crossing zone for kids coming to and from school... the mural is helping to make it a safer street.” The changes made crossings feel more predictable and comfortable for people of all ages and strengthened community support for ongoing traffic safety efforts.

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