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City of North Augusta (2024) Print
2024 AARP Community Challenge Grantee
Project Category
Transportation
└ Walk Audits
└ Walk Audits
Uneven sidewalks and poorly marked crossings made downtown North Augusta difficult to navigate, especially for older adults. A walk audit engaged residents age 50-plus to identify hazards and suggest fixes. The project included two community meetings and immediate upgrades like better lighting and safer crossings. Findings informed updates to the downtown master plan and sparked momentum for long-term improvements. One participant said it felt empowering to voice concerns and later see changes such as traffic-calming features, making trips to meet friends or run errands more confident and enjoyable.
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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Providence, RI
AARP Community Challenge Grant Year: 2025
Project Category: Walk Audits
Description: Age-Friendly Providence examined pedestrian safety conditions that made walking uncomfortable and risky for older adults in several dense neighborhoods. Uneven sidewalks, traffic conditions and missing comfort features limited confidence and mobility, while residents had few ways to influence street design. Through community walk audits, older adults documented safety and accessibility concerns along targeted routes. Insights from a visually impaired participant highlighted how lifted sidewalks and obstacles pose serious challenges. The findings produced location-specific documentation that is being shared with city planners. By centering lived experience, the project ensured older adult needs are shaping future safety priorities and infrastructure recommendations.
Project description was created using generative AI and then reviewed for accuracy.
Herington, KS
AARP Community Challenge Grant Year: 2024
Project Category: Walk Audits
Description: A neglected downtown pocket park lacked accessible seating, leaving older adults and visitors without a place to rest or connect with others. The VFW installed two benches and an ADA-compliant picnic table, which sparked a larger revitalization that added a drinking fountain and improved landscaping. The upgrades turned the park into a hub during the Old Fashioned Fall Festival and a meeting spot for residents. One older man said that he was very appreciative that the organization was stepping up and doing something to make the city more friendly for older adults.
Project description was created using generative AI and then reviewed for accuracy.
Akron, OH
AARP Community Challenge Grant Year: 2025
Project Category: Walk Audits
Description: West Akron's aging sidewalks and crossings made walking risky for older adults, especially in areas built for vehicle flow instead of pedestrian safety. Habitat trained 13 volunteers to conduct walk audits along 16 routes after sessions with city and public health partners, giving residents firsthand insight into planning and walkability challenges. Volunteers found widespread sidewalk damage, poor lighting and limited signage. One noted seeing a wheelchair user traveling in the street because the sidewalk was too broken to use. Their findings now guide discussions with officials and strengthen long-term resident advocacy for safer routes.
Project description was created using generative AI and then reviewed for accuracy.
Nearby AARP Community Challenge Projects
North Augusta, SC
AARP Community Challenge Grant Year: 2024
Project Category: Digital Connectivity for Disasters
Description: Older adults in North Augusta faced barriers to reliable internet, limiting telehealth access and emergency communication. To close this gap, the city installed satellite internet at municipal rally centers, creating hubs for connectivity and disaster response. During Hurricane Helene, the centers provided charging stations, food and water distribution and real-time updates, helping residents stay informed and connected. One older resident called the service a lifeline, using it to contact family and receive telehealth consultations during weeks of recovery, underscoring its role in safety and resilience.
Project description was created using generative AI and then reviewed for accuracy.
Augusta, GA
AARP Community Challenge Grant Year: 2018
Project Category: Park enhancements
Description: Organizers with the Augusta Recreation and Parks Department noticed people were driving their vehicles into Henry H. Brigham Park, making park users feel unsafe. This project set out to prevent this, keeping a walking track, basketball court and playground area free from cars and trucks. The Department installed bollards, as well as benches -- which served the dual purpose of giving park patrons a place to rest. Additionally, organizers planted shade trees to make the park more appealing in the summer heat. To draw visitors, the Department also worked to increase recreational programming in the park, including Tai Chi classes.
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