The Powder River Basin Resource Council and “Eyes Up: Lives Ahead!” Team up with funding support from AARP

The Powder River Basin Resource Council has received an AARP Community Challenge microgrant to conduct a community walk audit in Sheridan. Assistant Director Katherine Schrock and public speaker, author, and founder of “Eyes Up: Lives Ahead!” Kate Gladdin, appeared on Sheridan Media’s Public Pulse alerting the public to an upcoming walk audit to improve the safety of Sheridan’s streets. 

The microgrant will help to fund the initial audit walk which is designed to evaluate pedestrian safety and accessibility in the community. 

K. Schrock

According to AARP, by funding innovative, quick-action projects that spark change and build momentum, the annual AARP Community Challenge helps towns, cities and neighborhoods become more livable for people of all ages, especially adults age 50 or older.

Since its launch in 2017, the AARP Community Challenge has funded more than 2,800 grants, investing $32.6 million in 55,000 tangible improvements — such as park benches, crosswalks, bike racks — and more than 12,000 community-based programs, including digital skills training and transit education for older adults.

Scheduled to take place in September, the walk audit will bring together residents, organizations and community leaders to identify areas for improvement and encourage collaboration on future infrastructure planning. Once problem areas are found, Schroick will apply for the next phase of grant funding from AARP to aid in making these improvements around Sheridan.  

AARP has an information page dedicated to Walk Audits: Conduct walkability assessments using the AARP Walk Audit Tool Kit with support from America Walks.

Schrock said the project aims to support healthy aging, improve community accessibility and strengthen connections between residents and local decision-makers.

Sheridan Media will feature Schrock and Gladdin in a follow-up episode of Public Pulse once the date for the audit has been set in early September. 

Prior to the walk audit, proactive can connect with City Services and report safety hazards through Connect Sheridan, found by clicking here.

Sheridan Media’s Ron Richter reported in April that Stantec Consulting Services, Inc. is developing a Safe Streets for All Comprehensive Safety Action Plan for the City after the Council awarded them the project in April of this year. Stantec will receive $249,922 to develop the action plan, which is being funded by a $200,000 Safe Streets for All federal grant and a City match of 25% from Public Benefit.