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Canton Trails Commmittee (2025) Print
2025 AARP Community Challenge Grantee
Project Category
Transportation
└ Walk Audits
└ Walk Audits
Canton faced unsafe walking conditions at downtown intersections where long crossings, poor yielding behavior and inconsistent sidewalks created challenges. The committee conducted a walk audit documenting blocked sightlines, winter access issues and uneven routes. Volunteers shared firsthand accounts of inaccessible crossings, reinforcing the importance of addressing pedestrian safety for all residents. The audit produced a prioritized list of high-risk locations and recommendations that now guide planning and grant efforts.
Project description was created using generative AI and then reviewed for accuracy.
Project description was created using generative AI and then reviewed for accuracy.
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Missoula, MT
AARP Community Challenge Grant Year: 2024
Project Category: Walk Audits
Description: Missoula's farmers markets are vital for older adults using SNAP. Yet uneven brick streets, steep ramps and missing sidewalks make access difficult. To address this, the Coalition led walk audits at three markets, covering 2.1 miles and 23 intersections with more than 40 volunteers, including older adults. Audits revealed hazards like debris and poor crossings and tested a mock Neighborway with painted paths and planters to show safer routes. Findings prompted city leaders to integrate accessibility audits into future planning and advanced momentum for permanent improvements. Participants spoke highly of the Neighborway and felt safer having a dedicated space for non-motorized traffic.
Project description was created using generative AI and then reviewed for accuracy.
Athens, OH
AARP Community Challenge Grant Year: 2025
Project Category: Walk Audits
Description: Older adults in several Athens County communities faced uneven walking conditions that limited safe, comfortable trips to parks, trails and services. United Seniors led walk audits across intersections, paths and trails, documenting curb ramps, signal timing, surfaces, seating and lighting. The findings will guide local officials and Age Friendly work, supporting targeted upgrades that reduce fall risks and expand everyday walking options for older adults.
Project description was created using generative AI and then reviewed for accuracy.
Denver, CO
AARP Community Challenge Grant Year: 2025
Project Category: Walk Audits
Description: The project will conduct eight walk audits in a commercial district to identify sidewalk and crosswalk improvements. The project will also host two community meetings with participants and city officials.
Nearby AARP Community Challenge Projects
Canton, SD
AARP Community Challenge Grant Year: 2025
Project Category: Bike Audits
Description: The downtown highway crossing in Canton had become hazardous for people walking and biking because drivers often failed to slow or stop. The Chamber used bike audits to document safety gaps and visibility issues, then partnered with the state DOT to install new signs and repaint crosswalks. These steps set the stage for safer routes and more predictable movement for those who rely on walking or biking. Plans are for additional installations to be installed in the upcoming year.
Project description was created using generative AI and then reviewed for accuracy.
Sioux Falls, SD
AARP Community Challenge Grant Year: 2018
Project Category: Bikeability
Description: A community health assessment showed Sioux Falls residents wanted better bike amenities to help them keep physically active. To support bikeability, the City installed benches and bike maintenance stations along a popular bike route. Additionally, the City installed two electric wheelchair charging stations at public library branches that sit along the bike path, allowing people of all ages and abilities to use it. "If individuals have more opportunities to get on a bike and know there are amenities on the trail to make their ride more comfortable, they will likely increase their regular activity levels using a bike for recreation and for commuting," project leader Mary Michaels said. Organizers say the project also raised awareness about safety on the trail, as well as the community's accessibility needs.
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