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Camden, NJ

AARP Community Challenge Grant Year: 2022

Project Category: Roadway/sidewalks/crosswalk improvement

Description: Residents faced dangerous conditions near the new waterfront park, where missing crosswalks and poor bike lane design made access unsafe for pedestrians and cyclists, including older adults. Camden Community Partnership restriped State Street and Harrison Avenue, installed over 300 bike delineators, curb ramps and flashing bike signs, and added a bus stop bench. These changes slowed traffic and improved visibility while prompting plans for permanent upgrades. As one parent noted, "It will definitely help my kids get to the new 60-acre park to ride the trails."

Washington, DC

AARP Community Challenge Grant Year: 2019

Project Category: Roadway/sidewalks/crosswalk improvement

Description: To mark the arrival of a new grocery store to the Bellevue neighborhood, Safe Routes to Healthy Food for Older Adults set out to improve traffic safety, increasing locals' ability to access food. At the annual Taste of Harvest Festival, residents of the Bellevue neighborhood helped paint a vibrant, vegetable-themed crosswalk. The event also invited attendees to paint reusable shopping bags, which gave project organizers an opportunity to chat with residents about their ideas for improving neighborhood safety. Following the success of that even, organizers created a second artistic crosswalk at a mobile farmer's market near a local library branch. While painting took place, project organizers conducted a survey to gather feedback on traffic safety. This led to conversations about residents' frustrations accessing healthy, affordable food. Organizers say they hope the project leads to permanent infrastructure improvements in the future.

Evansville, IN

AARP Community Challenge Grant Year: 2022

Project Category: Roadway/sidewalks/crosswalk improvement

Description: This project painted the intersection of North Main and West Michigan streets to improve visibility. It also repaired sidewalks and curbs on nearby streets, where there is a high percentage of older adults.

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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