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Pensacola, FL
AARP Community Challenge Grant Year: 2021
Project Category: Roadway/sidewalks/crosswalk improvement
Description: The Gonzalez Street Shareway in Pensacola is a wide, busy road dominated by cars. To demonstrate how the thoroughfare could accommodate both vehicles and pedestrians, Bike Pensacola conducted a one-day demonstration of traffic calming features. Bike Pensacola fabricated traffic circles and temporarily narrowed the roadway from four to two lanes. To test out the traffic control measures, about 300 bicyclists participated in a slow ride along the Shareway, cycling between three Pensacola parks. Additionally, Bike Pensacola partnered with local businesses and organizations to bring a local art market to the shareway including a sidewalk book sale, food trucks, self-guided walking tours and a scavenger hunt.
Lansing, MI
AARP Community Challenge Grant Year: 2022
Project Category: Roadway/sidewalks/crosswalk improvement
Description: Faded crosswalks and a worn roundabout near Mt. Hope STEAM school left pedestrians and cyclists vulnerable, especially older adults and children from nearby low-income neighborhoods. To improve safety and encourage active transportation, the city installed six bike racks at two parks and organized a volunteer event to paint crosswalks and refresh the intersection with art. These changes aim to slow traffic, increase driver yielding and boost bike ridership. The project also inspired other neighborhoods to pursue similar improvements and prompted plans for a citywide toolkit to replicate crosswalk painting.
Project description was created using generative AI and then reviewed for accuracy.
Memphis, TN
AARP Community Challenge Grant Year: 2019
Project Category: Roadway/sidewalks/crosswalk improvement
Description: This project improved the South Memphis neighborhood of Soulsville neighborhood by creating an artistic crosswalk at a busy intersection. The installation served to beautify the street, as well as improve pedestrian and cycling safety by making the crosswalk more visible to drivers. Project organizers say they hope the street art also fosters a sense of pride among the neighborhood's residents.
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Denver, CO
AARP Community Challenge Grant Year: 2024
Project Category: Digital navigation skills
Description: Older adults in the community faced barriers to digital access, leaving many isolated and unable to manage daily tasks or support small businesses. Centro San Juan Diego responded with classes on basic and intermediate computer skills focused on students age 50-plus. It served nearly 40 students who learned to navigate the internet and create documents, often for the first time. The program boosted confidence and inspired continued learning, with graduates volunteering to help peers and advocating for advanced topics like web design and payment processing. "It has been such a great experience... I have gained so much," said a former student turned volunteer.
Project description was created using generative AI and then reviewed for accuracy.
Denver, CO
AARP Community Challenge Grant Year: 2025
Project Category: Public space improvements to support recovery after extreme weather events
Description: Commun developed an emergency preparedness plan to close safety gaps for older adults and residents with mobility or health challenges in a large, hard-to-navigate building. The team engaged at least 25 participants, many age 50-plus, and trained community leaders to help carry out the plan. Focus groups surfaced practical needs, including tools to locate people with disabilities quickly during an emergency. A high-attendance session followed a movement class to encourage participation. A later medical incident showed earlier conversations improved response as an older staff member calmly coordinated help. Next steps include drills and continued resident leadership.
Project description was created using generative AI and then reviewed for accuracy.
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