BROOKINGS Downtown Brookings has been selected to receive a 2025 AARP Community Challenge grant to fund Safe Steps: Crosswalks and Bump-Outs for a Walkable Brookings, a community-driven initiative to improve pedestrian safety and accessibility in the downtown district.
The project will focus on the intersections of Fifth Street and Third Avenue and Fourth Street and Third Avenue, where high-visibility crosswalks, new pedestrian signage, and temporary painted bump-outs will be installed. These improvements are designed to slow vehicular traffic, enhance visibility, and create a safer environment for people of all ages, especially older adults. The project is designed to spur results within a short timeframe to demonstrate immediate impact and spark further, potentially permanent, change.
Creating a more walkable and connected downtown is a priority for our organization, said Kirsten Gjesdal, executive director of Downtown Brookings. Were excited to bring these safety upgrades to life with support from AARP and Toyota Motor North America. These small changes will make a big difference for our community.
In the coming months, the Safe Steps project will move through site assessments, planning, and permitting, with installations expected by early fall in partnership with the city of Brookings. Community outreach will take place throughout the process to keep residents informed and engaged.
The city of Brookings is happy to partner with Downtown Brookings on this project, said Mayor Oepke Ope Niemeyer. Its important that our residents and visitors have safe, walkable streets. This grant provides an exciting opportunity to experiment with some features to help improve that in Downtown Brookings.
The grant is part of AARPs largest round of Community Challenge funding to date, awarding $4.2 million to 383 projects nationwide, including nearly $2 million dedicated to rural communities. Downtown Brookings is one of just a few South Dakota recipients.
To learn more about the AARP Community Challenge, go here.
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