BENNETTSVILLE, SC (JUNE 24, 2026) – The City of Bennettsville is proud to announce that it has been selected to receive two 2026 AARP Community Challenge grants, recognizing the City's commitment to creating a more livable, accessible, and age-friendly community. This year, only 750 grantees were selected from more than 5,100 applications submitted from all 50 states, Washington, D.C., Puerto Rico, and the U.S. Virgin Islands.
Through the AARP Community Challenge, Bennettsville will receive funding for two projects designed to improve mobility, accessibility, and safety for residents of all ages, particularly older adults.
The first award, an AARP Community Challenge Flagship Grant, will support the installation of ADA-compliant bus shelters with seating at key transit stops throughout the city. These shelters will provide transit riders with a safer, more comfortable place to wait while using existing public transportation services, helping improve accessibility and independence for older adults and individuals with mobility challenges.Fla
The second award, an AARP Community Challenge Capacity-Building Microgrant, will support a series of community walk audits and public engagement activities. Using the AARP Walk Audit Tool Kit with guidance from America Walks, residents and stakeholders will assess walking conditions throughout the community, identify locations needing sidewalk and crosswalk improvements, and help inform future transportation and pedestrian safety planning efforts.
These projects build upon the City of Bennettsville's ongoing commitment to improving pedestrian safety and connectivity throughout the community. Recent efforts include the implementation of a pedestrian safety demonstration project at the intersection of Fayetteville Avenue and Tyson Street in partnership with Wholespire, Clemson Extension, and South Carolina Department of Transportation. That project introduced temporary safety improvements designed to calm traffic, increase driver awareness, and improve conditions for pedestrians at a key crossing location.
The AARP-funded walk audits will complement the City's recently awarded Safe Streets and Roads for All (SS4A) grant, which will support the development of a Comprehensive Safety Action Plan, a supplemental Pedestrian Safety Plan, and demonstration projects focused on reducing roadway fatalities and serious injuries. Information gathered through the walk audits will help identify community priorities, strengthen future grant applications, and guide investments in sidewalks, crosswalks, transit access, and other safety improvements.
Together, these projects advance Bennettsville's vision of creating a more walkable, connected, and accessible community where residents can safely access the places they live, work, shop, learn, worship, and play.
About the AARP Community Challenge
The AARP Community Challenge grant program supports projects that improve public places, housing, transportation, digital connectivity, disaster resilience, and more. In 2026, Toyota Motor North America is funding pedestrian safety projects that aim to enhance streets and sidewalks nationwide. Microsoft is supporting digital connections projects aimed at expanding access to and adoption of high-speed internet (broadband).
These grants are part of AARP’s broader Livable Communities initiative, which helps neighborhoods, towns, cities, and counties across the country become great places for people of all ages. AARP believes communities should offer:
- Safe, walkable streets
- Affordable and accessible housing and transportation options
- Access to essential services
- Opportunities for residents to engage and participate fully in community life
To explore all 750 projects funded this year – or to view an interactive map of current and past Community Challenge projects – visit AARP.org/CommunityChallenge. Learn more about AARP’s nationwide Livable Communities work at AARP.org/Livable.