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Montana State University Teton County Extension (2025) Print
2025 AARP Community Challenge Grantee
Project Category
Transportation
└ Walk Audits
└ Walk Audits
Older adults in Choteau often struggled to reach essential places because of uneven sidewalks, scarce curb cuts and hard-to-navigate intersections. City leaders often lacked data to address these daily obstacles. Walk audits invited residents to identify hazards and document heavily used intersections with the AARP Walk Audit Toolkit. Sharing results with the community sparked dialogue about challenges tied to reaching the post office, library and pharmacy. One participant described walking in the street during winter due to bad sidewalks, later saying she was grateful to have her experience recorded as part of a broader effort. The data is now informing planning discussions and future funding applications that aim to create safer routes and guide long-term improvements.
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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See More Projects Like This One
Lake Helen, FL
AARP Community Challenge Grant Year: 2026
Project Category: Walk Audits
Description: Walk audits will assess key corridors to find needs for crosswalk signage and street striping improvements. Recommendations will support safer walking and future funding efforts.
Sheridan, WY
AARP Community Challenge Grant Year: 2026
Project Category: Walk Audits
Description: Two walk audits will examine pedestrian safety along a busy Main Street corridor. Community meetings will review findings to inform future planning decisions.
Bemidji, MN
AARP Community Challenge Grant Year: 2026
Project Category: Walk Audits
Description: Three walk audits will assess sidewalks, crossings, seating and sun exposure in a residential area and adjacent park. Community discussions will help translate findings into practical planning actions.
Nearby AARP Community Challenge Projects
Billings, MT
AARP Community Challenge Grant Year: 2023
Project Category: Park enhancements
Description: Older adults in Billings faced high screen time and low physical activity, increasing risks for isolation and health decline. To address this, the coalition added a surface challenge board and walking signs in Lillis Park, encouraging balance exercises and daily movement. These features complement pickleball courts and trails, creating a more inclusive space for all ages. The project set a model for age-friendly park design and will support fall prevention programs. "I am excited to have a walking trail and support to stay fit in my neighborhood," said one of the project participants.
Project description was created using generative AI and then reviewed for accuracy.
Anaconda, MT
AARP Community Challenge Grant Year: 2019
Project Category: Accessibility of amenities
Description: Anaconda-Deer Lodge County purchased two ADA-compliant picnic tables to accommodate older adults and residents with disabilities. Placed in Kennedy Commons, the tables are painted the distinctive accessibility blue, making them easily identifiable. County staff installed them on level ground so they are easy for wheelchair users to access. In the future, the County expects to purchase eight more tables so residents can gather and dine together.
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