Denver, CO

AARP Community Challenge Grant Year: 2025

Project Category: Walk Audits

Description: Older adults and people with disabilities in Denver face cracked sidewalks, missing curb ramps and unsafe crossings on the way to bus stops. Denver Regional Mobility and Access Council led a walk audit engaging 50-plus residents, including 28 older adults, to document hazards with a structured toolkit. One participant with limited mobility said they had avoided certain streets and felt hopeful that "real improvements could be made" once planners saw the data. The audit produced actionable findings for agencies to prioritize repairs and strengthened partnerships and advocacy so residents can press for safer walking routes to transit over time.

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

Wake Forest, NC

AARP Community Challenge Grant Year: 2025

Project Category: Walk Audits

Description: Older residents faced safety and mobility challenges when walking through town, including missing sidewalk connections and obstacles that made short trips less predictable. These gaps limited independence for older adults and others with physical challenges, especially near housing, schools and shopping areas. The Town of Wake Forest addressed the issue by conducting a series of walk audits in different parts of town, starting downtown. Older volunteers documented barriers and identified specific improvements needed to make walking safer and more continuous. Findings were compiled into a presentation for planning staff and elected officials. One audit revealed a sidewalk that stopped short of connecting affordable housing to nearby shops, forcing residents to walk in traffic. That example helped inform discussions tied to the Age-Friendly Action Plan and future decisions about sidewalk connectivity and pedestrian investment.

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.