Wake Forest, NC

AARP Community Challenge Grant Year: 2025

Project Category: Walk Audits

Description: Older residents faced safety and mobility challenges when walking through town, including missing sidewalk connections and obstacles that made short trips less predictable. These gaps limited independence for older adults and others with physical challenges, especially near housing, schools and shopping areas. The Town of Wake Forest addressed the issue by conducting a series of walk audits in different parts of town, starting downtown. Older volunteers documented barriers and identified specific improvements needed to make walking safer and more continuous. Findings were compiled into a presentation for planning staff and elected officials. One audit revealed a sidewalk that stopped short of connecting affordable housing to nearby shops, forcing residents to walk in traffic. That example helped inform discussions tied to the Age-Friendly Action Plan and future decisions about sidewalk connectivity and pedestrian investment.

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

New York City, NY

AARP Community Challenge Grant Year: 2024

Project Category: Walk Audits

Description: Older adults faced daily risks along Canal Street, where speeding traffic and missing curb cuts made crossing dangerous. To address this, the group led four walk audits and three meetings with more than 100 participants, identifying urgent fixes like leading pedestrian intervals and improved visibility. The effort produced advocacy letters to community boards and influenced DOT's planned redesign, which includes raised crosswalks and speed reductions. One participant said, "I've witnessed multiple crashes... More greenery, slower speeds and safety at the bridge entrance would make it safer for everyone."

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

Los Angeles, CA

AARP Community Challenge Grant Year: 2025

Project Category: Walk Audits

Description: Older adults in a South Los Angeles neighborhood struggled with cracked sidewalks, missing curb ramps and poor lighting that made short trips feel risky and limited independence. Los Angeles Walks organized a walk audit designed so older adults could safely participate, offering both walking and ride options. Guided by advocates, participants pointed out barriers, shared daily experiences and documented how street conditions affect routine trips to the community center, shops and transit. The audit gave older adults a platform to be heard and strengthened local advocacy for safer streets. One participant said, "I was thinking about my mother and feeling frustrated that the government doesn't listen when we report uneven walkways." The process increased confidence among participants and helped build trust with public agencies, informing future efforts to improve access and safety.

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