AUBURN — Walking audits are planned for several Auburn neighborhoods Tuesday and Wednesday to identify projects to improve walkability and pedestrian and traffic safety, according to city officials.
The Auburn Age-Friendly Community Committee received an AARP Foundation grant for areas qualifying for assessment: The downtown/Great Falls Plaza area and the Washburn neighborhood at the intersection of Turner and Dennison streets.
The project enables three audits affecting those 55 or older at the Auburn Esplanade, Roak Block and Lake Auburn Towne House.
A walking audit has people walk sections of a community “to identify challenges to safe movement” and pass findings to local government, according to Jonathan P. LaBonte, Auburn’s director of transportation systems.
In this case, senior and youth safety are the priorities, LaBonte said. East Auburn Community School and Washburn Elementary School students are expected to participate in the walks to get the youths’ perspective on walkability.
Downtown/Great Falls Plaza walks are scheduled for 10 a.m Tuesday and 5 p.m. Wednesday, beginning and ending at the Hilton Garden Inn Auburn Riverwatch at 14 Great Falls Plaza.
The walk in the Washburn neighborhood is scheduled to start at 5 p.m. Tuesday, beginning and ending at 74 Lake Auburn Ave.
The walks are to be held regardless of weather and last 90 minutes in segments of a 15-minute overview, 45-minute walk and a 15-minute debrief.
Safety vests are to be provided to participants, LaBonte said, and those of all ages or with motorized wheelchairs or mobility scooters are encouraged to join.
Comments, concerns, ideas for improvement and notes about walkability are to be documented for consideration by the Auburn City Council and the local Complete Streets Committee.
For information on the walking audits, contact Beckie Conrad at rebeccaswansonconrad@gmail.com.
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