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Phoenix, AZ

AARP Community Challenge Grant Year: 2017

Project Category: Roadway/sidewalks/crosswalk improvement

Description: Chicas Por La Causa sought to install a crosswalk near a busy, six-lane intersection in the Maryvale neighborhood. Project organizers heard from residents that they avoid crossing the street near the Casa de Primavera -- an apartment complex for low-income residents -- because they fear getting hit by passing cars. To address this, CPLC Staff and community members collected pedestrian data to demonstrate a need for traffic calming measures to ensure safety. That allowed them to argue their case to City officials, who ultimately decided to install two flashing beacons at intersections, which help make people crossing the street more visible to drivers.

Milton, DE

AARP Community Challenge Grant Year: 2022

Project Category: Roadway/sidewalks/crosswalk improvement

Description: Fast-moving traffic made walking hazardous in Milton's historic district. The town launched an Art Crosswalk project, painting colorful designs at key crossings to slow cars and promote pedestrian safety. Over 135 volunteers helped create a walking tour linking parks, shops and cultural sites. The project sparked community pride and inspired plans for future public art. "It's fantastic, so colorful, so whimsical!" said one resident, reflecting how art and safety improvements can transform a town's streetscape.

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

Roanoke, VA

AARP Community Challenge Grant Year: 2024

Project Category: Roadway/sidewalks/crosswalk improvement

Description: When a nearby bridge closed, Ferdinand Avenue became the only route to the Roanoke River Greenway, forcing heavy traffic onto streets already unsafe for walkers and bikers. Wide intersections and no crosswalks made conditions especially risky for older adults. PedalSafe ROA responded with artistic pavement markings and temporary barriers at three intersections, slowing cars and improving visibility. Volunteers painted nearly 7,000 square feet of art and the city committed to a permanent mini-roundabout. Residents report safer crossings and stronger community ties. "This project was exciting because of all of the people that it brought together... and the way that it created a better and more beautiful corridor," said PedalSafe's chairperson.

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

Nearby AARP Community Challenge Projects

Honolulu, HI

AARP Community Challenge Grant Year: 2021

Project Category: Community Health and Economic Empowerment

Description: To help residents afford needed services and connect with one another, Kanu Hawaii expanded the local timebank program, an economic exchange based on skill-sharing in which participants barter services. Engaging an experienced timebank coordinator, the organization expanded the Kokua Exchange from three localized timebanks on one island to 14 timebanks statewide. In addition, organizers trained volunteers to become timebank coordinators and developed a member database to track exchanges within local communities.

Honolulu, HI

AARP Community Challenge Grant Year: 2021

Project Category: Public space activation

Description: While Hawaii is known for beaches and lush mountains, many urban areas lack accessible green space. To give residents outdoor space, Better Block Hawaii planned, designed and installed two parklets in Honolulu's Kalihi neighborhood. Working with the City of Honolulu to identify areas of need, they installed the first parklet at Richie's Drive Inn, transforming a parking area into a mini park with tables, benches, planters and a mural. Parklets help local businesses extend their storefronts onto the sidewalk and boost revenue by creating cozy, inviting gathering places.

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