Choteau, MT

AARP Community Challenge Grant Year: 2025

Project Category: Walk Audits

Description: Older adults in Choteau often struggled to reach essential places because of uneven sidewalks, scarce curb cuts and hard-to-navigate intersections. City leaders often lacked data to address these daily obstacles. Walk audits invited residents to identify hazards and document heavily used intersections with the AARP Walk Audit Toolkit. Sharing results with the community sparked dialogue about challenges tied to reaching the post office, library and pharmacy. One participant described walking in the street during winter due to bad sidewalks, later saying she was grateful to have her experience recorded as part of a broader effort. The data is now informing planning discussions and future funding applications that aim to create safer routes and guide long-term improvements.

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

Bemidji, MN

AARP Community Challenge Grant Year: 2026

Project Category: Walk Audits

Description: Three walk audits will assess sidewalks, crossings, seating and sun exposure in a residential area and adjacent park. Community discussions will help translate findings into practical planning actions.

Biwabik, MN

AARP Community Challenge Grant Year: 2026

Project Category: Walk Audits

Description: Walkability assessments will review sidewalks and crossings in downtown and residential areas of Biwabik. Prioritized recommendations will help address barriers affecting older walkers.