Embedded Files
Reflections from My University of Maine Walk Audit
As I walk through the University of Maine Orono mall with my mom on her lunch break, I start to truly understand the power of accessibility. We walk this loop many times throughout the school year as my mom is faculty at the University and I am a student in the MSW program. The loop is short but provides magnificent views of Fogler Library, places to lay in the grass and study, and a path to get from place to place, or just an area to get outside and move. With such a wonderful public campus, you would imagine community members utilizing this space on nicer days, but this is not the case. Most people would look at the space and think nothing of it, but myself, I noticed how inaccessible this area is not just for older adults but for everyone.
As I walk through the University of Maine Orono mall with my mom on her lunch break, I start to truly understand the power of accessibility. We walk this loop many times throughout the school year as my mom is faculty at the University and I am a student in the MSW program. The loop is short but provides magnificent views of Fogler Library, places to lay in the grass and study, and a path to get from place to place, or just an area to get outside and move. With such a wonderful public campus, you would imagine community members utilizing this space on nicer days, but this is not the case. Most people would look at the space and think nothing of it, but myself, I noticed how inaccessible this area is not just for older adults but for everyone.
Throughout my fall semester I attended webinars every Thursday on the power of walkability, I was able to learn how important sidewalk and street accessibility is. After participating in these webinars, I started to wonder about my own community. I decided that I was going to pick a populated area of the University campus and conduct a walk audit using AARP’s free walk audit tool kit. What is a walk audit you might ask, “A walk audit is a simple activity in which an individual or a team observes and evaluates the walkability of a location to document how and if pedestrians can safely travel along a street, navigate an intersection and get from point A to B, C and so on”(AARP, 2022).
Once completing my walk audit, I found some interesting results. First, the accessible ramp in front of the library was very hazardous for those who needed to utilize it. The surface is inconsistent with pieces of concrete sticking out creating large lips on the surface. The second area of concern is the surface of the sidewalks. Many areas across the mall have “pothole” like cracks that would make navigating the area difficult for older adults or those with other physical limitations. Finally, the crosswalks are not fully painted, and paired with either a curb, making crossing difficult, or another major crack on the pavement.
When my mom and I utilized this tool kit we understood the magnitude of work that needs to be done. The power of accessibility is amazing because when you make an area accessible for one person it is also accessible to another. Creating welcoming spaces for older adults is a priority of mine. When I walk the mall at my public university, I want to see community members and alumni using the space and enjoying the magnificent place we call home.
Curious about walkability in your community? Check out the AARP Walk Audit Tool Kit to get started!!
Page updated
Google Sites
Report abuse