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.

Lansing, MI

AARP Community Challenge Grant Year: 2023

Project Category: Addressing community health

Description: Older adults in Lansing faced high costs and limited options for fitness, leaving many without access to health programs. Lansing Parks launched a low-cost monthly membership giving people unlimited access to 36 classes across four centers including Tai Chi and Enhanced Fitness. The program enrolled 69 participants and boosted social connections. One participant noted that she has been feeling and looking better since starting the class. Plans include adding more classes and sustaining the model to keep older adults active and engaged.