AARP Hearing Center
AARP Livable Communities Map
Highlanders Boxing Club (2023) Print
2023 AARP Community Challenge Grantee
Project Category
Transportation
└ Walkability
└ Walkability
Highlanders Boxing Club organized walk audits to address street safety concerns and promote walkability for older residents. The events brought older adults and youth together to identify hazards and learn about safer routes, creating a sense of community while raising awareness. The effort sparked plans for ongoing walks, with one participant saying the experience "was a true blessing" because it gave her a chance to connect after long periods of isolation.
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
Baltimore, MD
AARP Community Challenge Grant Year: 2023
Project Category: Walkability
Description: Older adults in Baltimore faced isolation and mobility challenges after the pandemic, compounded by unsafe walking conditions near community spaces. To address this, the organization hosted three walk audits and a health expo focused for older adults, reducing transportation barriers and drawing nearly 100 participants. Feedback revealed hazards like uneven curbs and poor drainage, while the project introduced a toolkit that empowered attendees to spot safety issues. These efforts informed proposals for traffic calming and accessibility upgrades and set the stage for ongoing wellness symposiums that keep older adults engaged and connected.
Project description was created using generative AI and then reviewed for accuracy.
Taunton, MA
AARP Community Challenge Grant Year: 2023
Project Category: Walkability
Description: The project addressed the lack of a safe walking route in downtown Taunton, a barrier for older adults seeking fitness and recreation. To address this, the Foundation completed walk audits and gathered public input to design a three-mile trail through the business district. Plans include signage, maps and creative features like Rock Snakes to spark engagement. Improvements identified during audits will make the area more walkable, creating a destination that encourages residents of all ages to stay active.
Project description was created using generative AI and then reviewed for accuracy.
Glen Rock, NJ
AARP Community Challenge Grant Year: 2023
Project Category: Walkability
Description: Glen Rock faced growing concerns about pedestrian safety downtown, where older adults struggled with uneven sidewalks and drivers ignoring signals. To address this, the borough led three walk audits with 39 volunteers, most age 50-plus, who documented hazards and learned how to advocate for improvements. Their findings were compiled into a detailed report for municipal and regional agencies, prompting plans for repairs, signage and enforcement. The effort also created a trained network ready to conduct future audits. One participant noted how important this was given noticable walkability issues in this and other communities.
Project description was created using generative AI and then reviewed for accuracy.
Nearby AARP Community Challenge Projects
Fontana, CA
AARP Community Challenge Grant Year: 2017
Project Category: Addressing community health
Description: The City of Fontana wanted to motivate its residents to incorporate walking into their daily routines. To do this, the City launched its Fontana Walks program, with the goal of recording two billion steps taken by locals in a year, equaling roughly 1 million miles. Participants registered and received a pedometer and water bottle to help them get going. The City then held its inaugural community walk, which attracted with 100 participants, with hundreds more lacing up their shoes over the next few months. To keep the momentum going, the City created a website with tips and motivation for walkers. The City has continued to host monthly community walks, each featuring a theme.
Montclair, CA
AARP Community Challenge Grant Year: 2021
Project Category: Community Gardens
Description: Montclair Community Garden has long been used by community members as a central gathering place, despite a lack of older adult-friendly amenities. The Montclair Community Foundation installed three raised garden beds, specifically designed for people with mobility restrictions, those who cannot easily bend down and gardeners who use wheelchairs. Additionally, the foundation installed an ADA-compliant picnic table, an 18-by-27-foot shade structure and new LED lighting. These changes enable residents of all ages and abilities to enjoy the garden. Now that the improvements are complete, project organizers say they are piloting a health education program at the garden, which will welcome patients whose doctors have recommended they spend time outdoors.
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 California State Office
200 S. Los Robles Avenue
Suite 400
Pasadena, CA 91101
United States