Matthews, NC

AARP Community Challenge Grant Year: 2023

Project Category: Public art installations

Description: Crestdale, an historic community in Matthews, lacked public art and safe pedestrian connections. A section of the Matthews Heritage Trail ran along a road without sidewalks, creating safety concerns and limiting trail continuity. To address this, the town installed a colorful mural on the advisory shoulder to mark the trail and improve visibility. Residents joined a community event to help paint the mural, and plans include adding a bench for resting along the route. The mural makes the trail easier to navigate, draws attention to Crestdale's history and encourages more people to explore the area.

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

Matthews, NC

AARP Community Challenge Grant Year: 2026

Project Category: Transportation Other

Description: This project will replace an older pedestrian beacon with a rectangular rapid‑flashing beacon at a busy mid‑block crossing near an community for older adults. The upgrade will make drivers more likely to stop and improve access to the greenway.