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Community Health and Emergency Services Inc. (2024) Print
2024 AARP Community Challenge Grantee
Project Category
Transportation
└ Walk Audits
└ Walk Audits
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.
Project description was created using generative AI and then reviewed for accuracy.
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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.
Missoula, MT
AARP Community Challenge Grant Year: 2024
Project Category: Walk Audits
Description: Missoula's farmers markets are vital for older adults using SNAP. Yet uneven brick streets, steep ramps and missing sidewalks make access difficult. To address this, the Coalition led walk audits at three markets, covering 2.1 miles and 23 intersections with more than 40 volunteers, including older adults. Audits revealed hazards like debris and poor crossings and tested a mock Neighborway with painted paths and planters to show safer routes. Findings prompted city leaders to integrate accessibility audits into future planning and advanced momentum for permanent improvements. Participants spoke highly of the Neighborway and felt safer having a dedicated space for non-motorized traffic.
Project description was created using generative AI and then reviewed for accuracy.
Wrightsville, AR
AARP Community Challenge Grant Year: 2024
Project Category: Walk Audits
Description: To make streets safer and more accessible for pedestrians, the city will hold walk audits to identify improvements to sidewalks and crosswalks.
Nearby AARP Community Challenge Projects
Mounds, IL
AARP Community Challenge Grant Year: 2022
Project Category: Park enhancements
Description: City Park was deteriorating and lacked accessible features for older adults and people with disabilities. The project installed ADA-compliant benches and picnic tables, added concrete pads and walkways, upgraded bathrooms with grab bars and accessible fixtures and provided umbrellas for shade. Volunteers, including older adults, helped build and install the new amenities. These improvements made the park more welcoming and sparked momentum for future upgrades. One resident noted online, "...to have a community to be proud of, everyone has to pitch in and help." Plans include adding lighting and exploring new features like barbecue areas.
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.
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