Evansville, IN

AARP Community Challenge Grant Year: 2025

Project Category: Walk Audits

Description: Broken sidewalks and missing curb cuts made everyday walking unsafe for older adults and people with disabilities in northern Jacobsville, limiting access to services and healthcare. Jacobsville Area Community Corporation led sidewalk audits across more than 70 blocks with the city engineer, documenting conditions and creating a system to rank safety concerns and estimate repair needs. A volunteer recalled seeing a wheelchair user forced to turn back at an intersection with no curb cut. By turning observations into documented data, the project gave the city a practical framework to prioritize repairs and plan long-term improvements that support safer walking and independence.

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

Whitehall, OH

AARP Community Challenge Grant Year: 2024

Project Category: Walk Audits

Description: Whitehall lacked safe walking routes near a major health center and housing for older adults, limiting mobility and health. Heart of Ohio led two walk audits along East Main Street and near Whitehall Senior Center, engaging older adults, students and city leaders. The project expanded into "Why We Walk", with educational presentations made to the Center and city schools, as well as a Wellness Walk event. Findings are shaping citywide plans and regional partnerships and older adults report feeling empowered to advocate for safer streets. One participant said walking helped improve her diabetes management.

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

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.