Three Montana Communities Among Winners of AARP Community Challenge

Grant Funds Aimed at Making Communities More Livable for People of All Ages

Three Montana projects are among 88 winners in the first-ever AARP Community Challenge, which aims to improve quality of life in communities across the nation for people of all ages.

The winning projects range from low-cost, short-term actions such as the creation of temporary park spaces and murals to more sizable efforts such as the development of intergenerational playgrounds.

In Montana the grant recipients are the Western Transportation Institute and City of Bozeman; Powell County Parks; and Missoula County. Each project was partially or fully funded through the AARP Community Challenge grant and is set to be completed by November 1, 2017.

“AARP received a tremendous response to the program in its inaugural year, with nearly 1,200 proposals across the United States, including nine from Montana,” said Tim Summers, AARP Montana state director. “We’re thrilled that three great proposals from Montana were selected. These projects will not only enhance the livability of their own communities, but also help shine a spotlight on what it means to be an age-friendly community.”

In brief, the Montana projects include:

Bozeman: Western Transportation Institute and City of Bozeman | Tactical Urbanism
A mobile tool kit for pop-up projects will be created for showcasing how temporary demonstrations help improve street designs for traveling by foot, bicycle, bus, wheelchair and other means.

Deer Lodge: Powell County Parks | Trail Enhancements
Grant funds will be used to connect the commercial district that includes the Deer Lodge Medical Center with the city's parks and residential neighborhoods.

Missoula: Missoula County | Walkability
Funding will be used to demonstrate how pedestrian-oriented infrastructure improves public safety, creates a stronger sense of place and provides opportunities for people to gather and interact.

“Great communities require careful planning and time,” said AARP Executive Vice President and Chief Advocacy & Engagement Officer Nancy LeaMond. “These quick action projects will give community leaders the motivation and momentum to create greater change.”

All of the winning projects in this challenge will deliver on one or all of the following:

• Improve social connections through the built environment benefiting people of all ages and abilities in the community.
• Expand opportunities for all residents, such as job, volunteer, and educational/training opportunities.
• Drive inclusive community engagement and interaction across a diverse population.

For a complete list of the winners and projects, visit aarp.org/CommunityChallenge.