Walkability for Seniors

Yesterday I got a link from my SMART GROWTH America blog feed about the Illinois Prairie Path celebrating its 50th anniversary.

 The article they referenced was from the AARP Blog about one of the very first rails to trails projects ever built. The article talked about how this provides a safe and convenient way for senior citizens to easily get to nearby destinations without having to drive. I was struck by this because U-Heights still has the oldest average aged population in the county (despite our average age dropping dramatically from 2000 census to 2010 census). While we don't have rails to trails nearby, our wide sidewalk projects provide greater access for more citizens of all ages to easily get to our own local destinations (Stella, University Club, City Office, dental office, Horn Elementary) as well as connect to mass transit stops and Iowa City destinations.