The City of Hendersonville is excited to announce it has been selected for a 2024 AARP Community Challenge grant. Out of over 3,300 applications from across all 50 states, Washington D.C, Puerto Rico and the U.S. Virgin Islands, Hendersonville is one of only 343 grantees chosen for this grant.
With this $15,000 quick-action grant, the City will advance the Hendersonville Bicycle Plan by installing Shared Lane Markings (sharrows) connecting key destinations, as well as five bicycle racks and two bicycle repair stations placed at various locations in the city.
“We are incredibly proud and excited that AARP selected the City of Hendersonville for this investment which will enhance and advance livability across our community for residents of all ages,” stated Matthew Manley, Strategic Projects Manager. “AARP is a nationwide leader in making communities more livable and we are honored that they recognize the tangible value this project will bring to our area.”
The City will purchase and install sharrows to establish a north-south bike connection through Hendersonville primarily along North and South Whitted Street, intersecting with the future Ecusta Trail. Additionally, the City will purchase and install five bicycle racks and two bicycle repair stations at key locations of need across the community. The public will have opportunities to learn more about the project at various events and through partnership with the Henderson County Aging Coalition. Stay tuned for updates on the City’s Facebook page and website, where the Community Development Department will share promotional information.
The project's installation is expected to be completed by the end of this year.
About the AARP Community Challenge
The AARP Community Challenge grant program funds innovative, quick-action projects that inspire change in areas such as public places; housing; transportation; digital connectivity; community resilience; and more. With additional funding support provided by Toyota Motor North America, the program is also increasing its investment in pedestrian safety projects that will improve streets and sidewalks, create vibrant pedestrian infrastructure, engage community members and much more.
This is all part of AARP’s nationwide work on livable communities, which supports the efforts of neighborhoods, towns, cities and counties across the country to become great places for all. AARP believes that communities should provide safe, walkable streets; affordable and accessible housing and transportation options; access to needed services; and opportunities for residents to participate in community life.
To learn more about the projects being funded by the AARP Community Challenge across the nation, including all 343 granted projects this year, visit aarp.org/CommunityChallenge. You can also view an interactive map of current and past AARP Community Challenge projects and AARP’s Livable Communities work at aarp.org/livable.
