AARP Hearing Center
AARP Livable Communities Map
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.
Photo Gallery
Image:
Click on a photo to learn more
See More Projects Like This One
Huntington, WV
AARP Community Challenge Grant Year: 2025
Project Category: Walk Audits
Description: This project will feature six walk audits, recruiting older volunteers, along with an off-duty police officer. It will host two community meetings with participants, business owners and the city to discuss results.
Providence, RI
AARP Community Challenge Grant Year: 2025
Project Category: Walk Audits
Description: The project will conduct four walk audits to identify pedestrian safety challenges. Findings will be presented at community meetings and forwarded to the Department of Planning and Development.
New York, NY
AARP Community Challenge Grant Year: 2025
Project Category: Walk Audits
Description: This project will map the walkability and accessibility of three New York City neighborhoods. The data will be shared with city officials, the community, and local businesses to discuss improvements.
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.
Charleston, MO
AARP Community Challenge Grant Year: 2025
Project Category: Pedestrian Safety
Description: This project will enhance pedestrian safety along Main Street by adding colorful, reflective crosswalks and flashing LED signs.
LEARN MORE AND STAY INFORMED
Find articles and resources about making communities more livable for people of all ages
Download or order free publications from AARP Livable Communities
Sign up for the free, weekly, award-winning AARP Livable Communities eNewsletter
Don't see your community listed?
LEARN HOW IT CAN JOIN THE NETWORKConnect with your AARP State Office
AARP has offices in all 50 states as well as in the District of Columbia, Puerto Rico and the U.S. Virgin Islands.
AARP Illinois State Office
222 N. LaSalle Street
Suite 710
Chicago, IL 60601
United States