Shorewood, Wisconsin Print

Joined the AARP Age-Friendly Network:
3/14/2017

Lead Agency: Village of Shorewood Elder Services Advisory Board and the Senior Resource Center

Coalition

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. Outdoor Spaces

    Enhance walkability and bikeability by focusing on key problem areas for pedestrians, exploring the development of protected bike lanes, and building a bike boulevard.

  2. Housing

    Create a housing workgroup to develop innovative housing options like a homeshare program that matches graduate students with older adults, co-housing, tiny houses, and ADUs.

Progress Report Download

Since publishing its age-friendly action plan, Shorewood has worked to improve walkability, connect residents with housing option and support volunteerism. Shorewood conducted walk audits -- including one in the winter months -- which invited volunteers and community leaders to assess downtown sidewalks. In the summer, Shorewood closed a major street to vehicle traffic, giving residents the opportunity to gather, walk and bike safely. The City explored a new home modification program to help residents age in place. They also educated residents about affordable housing options in the community. Shorewood also supported a variety of volunteer opportunities, including dementia awareness group and a community yard cleanup day.

Nearby AARP Community Challenge Projects

Milwaukee Riverkeeper (2026)

Shorewood, WI

AARP Community Challenge Grant Year: 2026

Project Category: Public art installations

Description: An interactive, slip-resistant mural will be installed at a lakeside park to teach residents how everyday actions affect water quality. The ground-level artwork will support outdoor learning and gentle movement for people of all ages.

Historic King Drive Business Improvement District #8 (2020)

Milwaukee, WI

AARP Community Challenge Grant Year: 2020

Project Category: Public space activation

Description: This project contributed to efforts to revitalize a park, creating a safe, outdoor gathering for residents of Milwaukee's Historic King Drive neighborhood. Improvements included bollards with solar-powered lights, accessible picnic tables, trash receptacles and orange benches branded with the name of the neighborhood. Additionally, the BID convened an art task force and used tax increment financing to fund a new mural in the neighborhood. The success of the project also build momentum for branding efforts in nearby neighborhoods.

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

LEARN MORE AND STAY INFORMED

Find articles and resources about making communities more livable for people of all ages

Visit AARP.ORG/LIVABLE
people icon

Download or order free publications from AARP Livable Communities

Check out the Livable Library
download icon

Sign up for the free, weekly, award-winning AARP Livable Communities eNewsletter

Subscribe now!
mail icon

Connect with your AARP State Office

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

AARP Wisconsin State Office

222 W Washington Avenue
Suite 600
Madison, WI 53703
United States

Phone: 866-448-3611
Fax: 608-251-7612
Email: [email protected]