Chicago, IL

AARP Community Challenge Grant Year: 2024

Project Category: Walk Audits

Description: Unsafe sidewalks and crossings near 87th and Stony Island left older adults hesitant to walk and feeling isolated. Black Cornerstones audited 253 intersections, gathered resident stories and launched the Reimagine Stony Campaign. The effort produced a detailed walk plan, formed a walking club and hosted a block party to share findings. These steps sparked ongoing safety improvements and inspired similar efforts in other neighborhoods. One participant, age 84, said, "I used to be afraid to walk around my block, but now I feel safe and connected to my neighbors."

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

Greenville, SC

AARP Community Challenge Grant Year: 2025

Project Category: Walk Audits

Description: Residents in Berea, including many older adults, faced daily risks when walking along wide, high-traffic roads with limited pedestrian infrastructure. LiveWell Greenville responded by leading listening sessions and walk audits that engaged residents in documenting conditions near the community center, a major retail corridor and busy trail crossings. Participants observed blocked sidewalks, unsafe crossings and poor access to bus stops. One team member described the main corridor as a jarring experience built for fast-moving traffic rather than people. Findings were compiled into a community report that guided a new Neighborhood Connectivity Team, creating a clear roadmap for improving safety and building local capacity to continue advocating for safer walking routes.

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

Milwaukee, WI

AARP Community Challenge Grant Year: 2025

Project Category: Walk Audits

Description: Jackson Park Community Association focused on unsafe streets surrounding a major neighborhood park where fast traffic and unclear crossings made walking stressful for residents, including older adults. Through a series of walk audits, residents, volunteers and local officials documented specific hazards and discussed solutions at key intersections. Findings were shared through community meetings and presentations to city leaders, grounding the conversation in lived experience. Volunteer feedback highlighted anxiety at crossings and concerns about speeding vehicles. The work helped inform reconstruction discussions and contributed to funding being allocated for future intersection improvements that support safer park access.

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