Cairo, IL

AARP Community Challenge Grant Year: 2024

Project Category: Walk Audits

Description: In rural southern Illinois, older adults faced unsafe walking conditions with missing sidewalks and overgrown paths, forcing them into streets to reach parks and stores. CHESI organized walk audits across three towns, engaging 37 residents, including many age 50-plus, to review 100 blocks and document hazards. Participants met with local leaders to push for improvements and raised awareness of pedestrian safety. The effort sparked advocacy campaigns and scheduled meetings with mayors. This laid the groundwork for safer sidewalks and crosswalks and inspired future livable community projects.

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

Charleston, MO

AARP Community Challenge Grant Year: 2025

Project Category: Pedestrian Safety

Description: Older adults walking along Main Street lacked basic pedestrian safety features, making it harder to reach banks, pharmacies and public offices. Charleston Revitalization Movement added high-visibility crosswalks as well as flashing signs to warn pedestrians and cars. They also added wayfinding signage in a heavy foot traffic area that previously had no crosswalks. Community volunteers helped paint the crosswalks, creating visible routes where none existed. One resident said the project was bringing the community together and made the town feel more welcoming. The improvements increased confidence for older adults who walk downtown and set up a community-supported plan to refresh safety features over time.

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