Shepherdstown, West Virginia Print

Joined the AARP Age-Friendly Network:
9/24/2018

Lead Agency: Municipality of Shepherdstown

Government Agency

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

    Develop a process of communicating directly to all residents who would like to receive more information on age-friendly programs from the town government, including an email list and an information kiosk.

  2. Outdoor Spaces

    Improve the streetscape by constructing new bike paths connecting downtown areas and parks, create a multi-modal walking path with a post-and-rope hand assist, repair hazardous sidewalks, and install new ADA compliant curb cuts at all major intersections.

  3. Transportation

    Increase transportation options by expanding existing bus routes, developing new routes, and expanding volunteer driving programs.

Progress Report Download

Age-Friendly Shepherdstown's progress report highlights accomplishments in communication, transportation, and outdoor spaces. The town established and expanded its email list, hired a communications director, and improved accessibility at public meetings with new sound equipment, microphones, and Zoom access with captions. A new welcome center opened downtown with space for community events. Mobility improvements included constructing a new walking path in Cullison Park, finalizing bike route designs, completing a paved section with signage, and installing ADA-compliant curb cuts at key intersections. Sidewalk safety reviews led to ongoing repairs, and push-button entry doors for public buildings were added to the town budget. Banes-Harris Park received new playground equipment, and community surveys showed strong support for a potential collaborative shuttle service with Shepherd University and EPTA.

Nearby AARP Community Challenge Projects

Ranson Community Gardens (2024)

Ranson, WV

AARP Community Challenge Grant Year: 2024

Project Category: Community Gardens

Description: To create a welcoming space for older adults and foster intergenerational engagement, Ranson Community Gardens added a micro-orchard with 10 native fruit trees, a berry patch and a patio with seating. Informational signage and a nearby parking area improved accessibility, and two community events introduced the orchard to residents. The space now hosts classes and social gatherings, helping older adults connect with neighbors and nature. At a tree planting event, one longtime resident said he planned to bring his grandchildren and would think of the project every time he saw his new tree.

Town of Lovettsville (2024)

Lovettsville, VA

AARP Community Challenge Grant Year: 2024

Project Category: Bikeability

Description: Without secure bike parking, older adults had fewer options for low-cost, healthy transportation and social connection. The town installed three steel bike racks in front of Town Hall, creating a safe, central spot for cyclists to access shops, events and community spaces. The racks encourage biking for errands and recreation, reducing reliance on cars and promoting physical activity. They've sparked community pride and support future plans for bike-friendly infrastructure, reinforcing Lovettsville's commitment to active living for residents of all ages. One resident said "This project has not only enhanced the convenience for those who enjoy biking, but it has also encouraged a more active lifestyle within the overall community."

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 has offices in all 50 states as well as in the District of Columbia, Puerto Rico and the U.S. Virgin Islands.

AARP West Virginia State Office

300 Summers Street
Suite 400
Charleston, WV 25301
United States

Phone: 866-227-7458
Fax: 304-344-4633
Email: [email protected]