Lakeland, Florida Print

Joined the AARP Age-Friendly Network:
12/22/2016

Lead Agency: Lakeland Vision

Non-profit

Action Plan Download

An action plan is based on the results of community surveys identifying needs within the 8 Domains of Livability that influence the health and quality of life of older adults. While there is flexibility in how a plan is created and what it will do, every action plan includes a statement about what can be achieved, target dates for goal completion, identification of participating organizations and indicators to measure progress. The action plan is an "active" rather than static document. Revisions and amendments are a sign of program improvement and progress.

Action Plan Highlights

  1. Communication and Information

    Incorporate adult-friendly features in designs for parks and public spaces.

Progress Report Download

The City of Lakeland's progress report describes successes related to accessibility, social inclusion and aging in place. Efforts to promote age-friendly public spaces culminated in the opening of a new park, an accessible senior center and a cultural center featuring spaces for historical research and community exhibitions. Additionally, the City launched an age-friendly business accreditation, which rewards local businesses that strive to be welcoming to patrons of all ages. To ensure residents can access home repair and modification services, they compiled a list of reasonably-prices, licensed contractors. The community also developed a 411 resource group, which provides outreach to older adults on emergency preparation, safety best practices and health services.

Nearby AARP Community Challenge Projects

City of Lakeland (2023)

Lakeland, FL

AARP Community Challenge Grant Year: 2023

Project Category: Trails

Description: Lakeland's Dixieland neighborhood lacked a safe route for older adults to reach Drane Park and nearby shops. The Hillcrest Street Connection added ADA ramps, striped crosswalks, speed humps and flashing beacons at key intersections. They also installed wayfinding signs linking three major walking and biking routes. These upgrades slowed traffic and improved safety, making it easier for residents to walk and connect with the broader trail network. As one neighborhood leader said, "The two speed bumps and the new crosswalk improvements have made this safer for both motorists and pedestrians."

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

City of Lakeland (2026)

Lakeland, FL

AARP Community Challenge Grant Year: 2026

Project Category: Transportation Other

Description: The city will improve pedestrian safety along a busy boulevard by installing crosswalk signage, pavement striping and a speed table. These upgrades will create a safer, more walkable connection between nearby housing and activity centers.

ABOUT THE AARP COMMUNITY CHALLENGE

Launched in 2017, the annual AARP Community Challenge provides small grants to local governments and nonprofits in order to fund quick-action, ready-to-implement projects that can help communities become more livable for people of all ages.

See all nearby projects

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AARP Florida State Office

360 N. Central Avenue
Suite 1750
St. Petersburg, FL 33701
United States

Phone: 866-595-7678
Email: [email protected]