Akron, OH

AARP Community Challenge Grant Year: 2025

Project Category: Walk Audits

Description: West Akron's aging sidewalks and crossings made walking risky for older adults, especially in areas built for vehicle flow instead of pedestrian safety. Habitat trained 13 volunteers to conduct walk audits along 16 routes after sessions with city and public health partners, giving residents firsthand insight into planning and walkability challenges. Volunteers found widespread sidewalk damage, poor lighting and limited signage. One noted seeing a wheelchair user traveling in the street because the sidewalk was too broken to use. Their findings now guide discussions with officials and strengthen long-term resident advocacy for safer routes.

Project description was created using generative AI and then reviewed for accuracy.

Huntington, WV

AARP Community Challenge Grant Year: 2025

Project Category: Walk Audits

Description: This project will feature six walk audits, recruiting older volunteers, along with an off-duty police officer. It will host two community meetings with participants, business owners and the city to discuss results.

Centennial, CO

AARP Community Challenge Grant Year: 2024

Project Category: Walk Audits

Description: Older adults and people with mobility challenges faced barriers accessing a 71-mile urban trail, making safety and usability urgent concerns. The project engaged residents in walk audits and partnered with local university students for a trail-wide accessibility review. Feedback led to a pilot "slow zone" to curb speeding cyclists and informed plans for resurfacing that will widen paths and add ADA ramps. These audits created a model for future engagement, ensuring older adults voices shape trail improvements.

Project description was created using generative AI and then reviewed for accuracy.