AARP Hearing Center
AARP Livable Communities Map
Town of Pittsfield (2024) Print
2024 AARP Community Challenge Grantee
Project Category
Transportation
└ Walk Audits
└ Walk Audits
Pedestrian safety along the main entry corridor raised concerns for older adults who walk there regularly. To address this, volunteers age 50-plus joined two walk audits, sharing firsthand experiences and shaping recommendations presented at a community forum. The audits produced actionable ideas such as raised crosswalks and barriers, now under review for funding. The effort energized residents, including first-time civic participants, who continue advocating for safer streets.
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
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.
Mulvane, KS
AARP Community Challenge Grant Year: 2024
Project Category: Walk Audits
Description: Poor sidewalks and crossings near local adult centers and the downtown area made walking unsafe for older adults in Mulvane. To address this, the foundation led walk audits, community meetings and mentorship sessions to identify hazards and propose solutions. Findings will inform the city's 10-year comprehensive plan and support grant applications for ADA upgrades and safer intersections. One volunteer called the experience eye-opening, saying she learned how audit data can drive funding and policy changes.
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.
Nearby AARP Community Challenge Projects
Skowhegan, ME
AARP Community Challenge Grant Year: 2024
Project Category: Public space activation
Description: Older adults lacked safe, accessible walking routes to downtown and essential services, leaving them isolated and limiting recovery options for those prescribed walking for health. The town regraded the trail to meet ADA standards, added bench seating along a new retaining wall and installed underground utilities for future lighting. These upgrades created a defined, safer passage to the pedestrian bridge and nearby trails, improving access to the hospital, library and municipal offices. Footbridge use has already increased. "I was approached by several residents that expressed their gratitude... It was inspiring to know that what we were doing was making a difference," said a project lead.
Project description was created using generative AI and then reviewed for accuracy.
Madison, ME
AARP Community Challenge Grant Year: 2026
Project Category: HomeFit Modifications
Description: A home safety class will teach residents how to make low‑cost accessibility improvements. Hands‑on guidance and free materials will help older adults reduce their risk of falls at home.
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 Maine State Office
53 Baxter Boulevard
Suite 202
Portland, ME 04101
United States