Challenge Grants Go to Baton Rouge, DeRidder

Walking outdoors improves both personal and community fitness. That’s why AARP is helping fund projects, including two in the Bayou State, to make cities more walkable.

The nonprofit Center for Planning Excellence earned an AARP Community Challenge grant to provide lighting, safe pedestrian crossings and programs for walking clubs near Longfellow Park in Baton Rouge.

Another grant went to the city of DeRidder in Beauregard Parish, to improve walkability through accessible sidewalks, easily identifiable crosswalks and signage. The grants total $35,000.

“Vibrant, healthy communities offer residents opportunities to engage and socially interact with each other,” said Denise Bottcher, AARP Louisiana state director. Learn more at aarp.org/livable-communities.