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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.
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Lincoln, NE
AARP Community Challenge Grant Year: 2023
Project Category: Walkability
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Houston, TX
AARP Community Challenge Grant Year: 2023
Project Category: Walkability
Description: Cracked sidewalks and unsafe curb ramps along Washington Avenue made walking hazardous for older adults and people with mobility challenges. The coalition organized walk audits, trained volunteers and captured nearly 1,000 images to document issues, mapping them for public access. Surveys revealed widespread concerns about accessibility and safety. These efforts built momentum for a citywide sidewalk plan and proposals to repair curb ramps, while fostering collaboration among residents, businesses and city officials to create safer, more walkable streets.
Austin, TX
AARP Community Challenge Grant Year: 2023
Project Category: Walkability
Description: Broken sidewalks and debris in busy Austin corridors made walking hazardous for older adults and wheelchair users. The group led two walk audits near grocery stores, documenting safety issues and sharing findings with city officials and nonprofits. The effort raised awareness and sparked discussions on repairs and accessibility. One resident said he welcomed the assessment after a sidewalk crack caused a fall and weeks in rehab, underscoring the need for safer routes for older adults.
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.
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