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South Miami, FL
AARP Community Challenge Grant Year: 2026
Project Category: Walk Audits
Description: Three walk audits will evaluate corridors to better serve older residents. Community meetings will review findings that inform future transportation planning.
Canton, SD
AARP Community Challenge Grant Year: 2025
Project Category: Walk Audits
Description: 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.
New York, NY
AARP Community Challenge Grant Year: 2025
Project Category: Walk Audits
Description: Older adults navigating dense city neighborhoods often face hidden accessibility barriers, from uneven sidewalks to businesses that are difficult to enter. Without clear, shared information, these obstacles can limit independence and everyday movement. AXS Lab addressed this gap by hosting three community mapping events that invited residents to document real-world accessibility conditions using walk audits and digital mapping tools. Participants reviewed streets, parks and businesses and contributed hundreds of observations based on lived experience. The effort supported conversations with local officials and community partners and helped businesses better understand accessibility needs. By turning on-the-ground knowledge into shared data, the project strengthened community awareness and created a foundation for ongoing advocacy focused on improving access for older adults.
Project description was created using generative AI and then reviewed for accuracy.
Nearby AARP Community Challenge Projects
Big Rapids, MI
AARP Community Challenge Grant Year: 2026
Project Category: Bike Audits
Description: Volunteer bike audits will study intersections and routes commonly used by cyclists in the city. Results will guide recommendations that improve bike access to services.
Grand Rapids, MI
AARP Community Challenge Grant Year: 2024
Project Category: Public space activation
Description: Faded sidewalk art along Plainfield Avenue made the corridor less inviting and harder to navigate, especially for older adults. To restore visibility and improve walkability, the group revitalized nearly one mile of sidewalks with new designs featuring wayfinding elements. Three volunteer painting days engaged residents of all ages, using adaptive tools so everyone could participate. The refreshed sidewalks now guide pedestrians to shops and public spaces, while the collaborative process strengthened intergenerational ties and sparked a sense of ownership that supports future placemaking efforts.
Project description was created using generative AI and then reviewed for accuracy.
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