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Greensboro, NC
AARP Community Challenge Grant Year: 2025
Project Category: Pedestrian Safety
Description: Speeding traffic, trucks and bus activity made it risky to cross W. Elmsley Dr., a link to shopping and a transit corridor used by many older adults. The city installed a permanent high-visibility crosswalk with pedestrian-activated flashing lights, ADA ramps and a refuge island, then added a new sidewalk to complete the connection. Walk audits with residents informed the location and built buy-in. During filming, staff saw drivers slow and stop for the beacon, and crossing felt noticeably safer. The project also aligned with plans for higher-frequency transit and spurred interdepartmental coordination on future safety upgrades.
Project description was created using generative AI and then reviewed for accuracy.
Worcester, MA
AARP Community Challenge Grant Year: 2025
Project Category: Pedestrian Safety
Description: This project will enhance safety and walkability along Pleasant Street by installing artistic crosswalks and wayfinding signage.
Montville, NJ
AARP Community Challenge Grant Year: 2025
Project Category: Pedestrian Safety
Description: Residents in a housing development for older adults had no safe way to walk along a busy road to reach nearby destinations, forcing them into traffic or limiting trips outside the neighborhood. The Township of Montville addressed this gap by installing a new sidewalk that connected the development to existing pedestrian routes. The sidewalk created a continuous, protected path to a nearby bus stop, community park, farms and neighboring areas, replacing an unsafe roadway shoulder. Township officials reported residents stopping by during construction to express appreciation for the project and what it would mean for their daily routines. The new connection has expanded opportunities for outdoor activity and independent travel and now supports future plans to link additional walking trails and pedestrian access to new recreation amenities.
Project description was created using generative AI and then reviewed for accuracy.
Nearby AARP Community Challenge Projects
Forsyth County, NC
AARP Community Challenge Grant Year: 2023
Project Category: Supporting family caregivers
Description: Many older adults lacked clear, trusted sources for aging-related services. Age-Friendly Forsyth launched a volunteer-driven program that trained 46 Aging Services Ambassadors-most age 50-plus-to share resources and guidance in their communities. Volunteers learned empathetic communication and received resource notebooks and emergency "File of Life" packets for distribution. The initiative created a sustainable model for advocacy and improved awareness of local support systems. One advocate said they valued learning about the programs and services available to him, and felt empowered to help neighbors.
Project description was created using generative AI and then reviewed for accuracy.
Salisbury, NC
AARP Community Challenge Grant Year: 2024
Project Category: Bikeability
Description: Rowan Helping Ministries lacked secure bike parking for people accessing meals, shelter and transitional housing, many of whom are older adults relying on bicycles. The project installed both large and small racks at four campus locations and added concrete pads for stability, replacing unsafe practices like chaining bikes to handrails. The racks are already in steady use. One patron said he was grateful to have a place to leave his bike while he went inside. The effort has sparked partnerships to expand bike infrastructure countywide, supporting mobility and independence for residents.
Project description was created using generative AI and then reviewed for accuracy.
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