Providence, RI

AARP Community Challenge Grant Year: 2025

Project Category: Walk Audits

Description: Age-Friendly Providence examined pedestrian safety conditions that made walking uncomfortable and risky for older adults in several dense neighborhoods. Uneven sidewalks, traffic conditions and missing comfort features limited confidence and mobility, while residents had few ways to influence street design. Through community walk audits, older adults documented safety and accessibility concerns along targeted routes. Insights from a visually impaired participant highlighted how lifted sidewalks and obstacles pose serious challenges. The findings produced location-specific documentation that is being shared with city planners. By centering lived experience, the project ensured older adult needs are shaping future safety priorities and infrastructure recommendations.

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

New York City, NY

AARP Community Challenge Grant Year: 2024

Project Category: Walk Audits

Description: Older adults faced daily risks along Canal Street, where speeding traffic and missing curb cuts made crossing dangerous. To address this, the group led four walk audits and three meetings with more than 100 participants, identifying urgent fixes like leading pedestrian intervals and improved visibility. The effort produced advocacy letters to community boards and influenced DOT's planned redesign, which includes raised crosswalks and speed reductions. One participant said, "I've witnessed multiple crashes... More greenery, slower speeds and safety at the bridge entrance would make it safer for everyone."

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

High Point, NC

AARP Community Challenge Grant Year: 2024

Project Category: Walk Audits

Description: Southwest High Point struggles with high chronic disease rates and limited car access, making safe walking routes essential. A walk audit brought residents, local leaders and advocates together to examine hazards near schools and recreation centers. The audit flagged broken sidewalks, missing crosswalks and inadequate signage. It also educated participants on pedestrian safety and empowered them to push for improvements. The effort prompted ongoing collaboration through Age-Friendly Guilford and local task forces, ensuring concerns like unsafe crossings on Taylor Avenue remain central to future infrastructure plans.

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