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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.
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Milwaukee, WI
AARP Community Challenge Grant Year: 2025
Project Category: Walk Audits
Description: Jackson Park Community Association focused on unsafe streets surrounding a major neighborhood park where fast traffic and unclear crossings made walking stressful for residents, including older adults. Through a series of walk audits, residents, volunteers and local officials documented specific hazards and discussed solutions at key intersections. Findings were shared through community meetings and presentations to city leaders, grounding the conversation in lived experience. Volunteer feedback highlighted anxiety at crossings and concerns about speeding vehicles. The work helped inform reconstruction discussions and contributed to funding being allocated for future intersection improvements that support safer park access.
Project description was created using generative AI and then reviewed for accuracy.
Cairo, IL
AARP Community Challenge Grant Year: 2024
Project Category: Walk Audits
Description: In rural southern Illinois, older adults faced unsafe walking conditions with missing sidewalks and overgrown paths, forcing them into streets to reach parks and stores. CHESI organized walk audits across three towns, engaging 37 residents, including many age 50-plus, to review 100 blocks and document hazards. Participants met with local leaders to push for improvements and raised awareness of pedestrian safety. The effort sparked advocacy campaigns and scheduled meetings with mayors. This laid the groundwork for safer sidewalks and crosswalks and inspired future livable community projects.
Project description was created using generative AI and then reviewed for accuracy.
Cambridge, MA
AARP Community Challenge Grant Year: 2024
Project Category: Walk Audits
Description: Pedestrian safety in Cambridge's Alewife area was hindered by poor crossings and limited accessibility, making it harder for older adults to navigate safely. Green Cambridge organized a walk audit and community tour, engaging residents and producing a report with the National Park Service to guide improvements. The audit raised awareness and informed recommendations for safer connections, with a demonstration project planned to act on these findings. Community involvement strengthened advocacy for inclusive design and laid the groundwork for lasting improvements.
Project description was created using generative AI and then reviewed for accuracy.
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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.
Dexter, ME
AARP Community Challenge Grant Year: 2020
Project Category: Park enhancements
Description: The Town of Dexter installed new benches on local streets and in parks to make them more accessible for older adults and those with mobility issues. Three parks -- Wayside, Ronco and Veterans Parks -- received the new benches. The Town also paved the entrance of Wayside Park, a popular gathering space for free weekly summer concerts. In addition, the Town offered Pop-Up Universities intended to provide residents with activities for learning, creativity and physical wellbeing, as well as social interaction. Topics include flower arranging, meditation and chair yoga.
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