Title
Apply for an Arizona Association of Retired Persons (AARP) Community Challenge Grant (Ordinance S-52673) - Citywide
Description
Request to authorize the City Manager, or his designee, to apply for, and if awarded, enter into an agreement for the disbursement of funding from the Arizona Association of Retired Persons (AARP) Community Challenge Flagship Grant Program to support the expansion of the WalkPHX program across the City. Further request to authorize the City Treasurer to accept, and the City Controller to disburse, all funds related to this item. The total grant funds received will not exceed $15,000. No matching funds are required.
Report
Summary
The AARP Community Challenge Grant provides funding to nonprofit and government organizations for projects that enhance livability, mobility, safety, and quality of life for residents, particularly adults age 50 and older. Eligible project categories include transportation and mobility, vibrant public spaces, digital connections, housing options, and disaster resilience. Grant awards typically range from a few hundred dollars to $15,000.
The Parks and Recreation Department seeks funding to expand the WalkPHX program to additional locations Citywide. While many existing walking paths are paved and accessible, they often lack clear wayfinding, mileage information, and safety signage. The WalkPHX expansion will install:
- WalkPHX map signage showing the full walking loop from start to finish.
- Walk counters to track path usage and measure community engagement.
Walking is the number one, self directed exercise for adults of all ages, especially those 50 and older. By providing clear signage and usage tracking, this project enhances safety, accessibility, and health outcomes for residents throughout Phoenix. The expansion also supports AARP’s mission to create more livable, age friendly communities.
Financial Impact
There is no impact to the General Fund. No matching funds are required.
Department
Responsible Department
This item is submitted by Deputy City Manager Cynthia Aguilar and the Parks and Recreation Department.