AARP volunteers ask Town of Cary for more sidewalks

CARY – A growing population of older adults in Wake County and other counties across the state are putting new priorities on infrastructure and public spending. When it comes to making cities more age-friendly, sidewalks play a critical role.

A group of AARP volunteers urged the Town of Cary at its Council Meeting on July 9 to take action as it prioritizes its future spending projects.

AARP Livable Communities reports that eight-in-10 Americans prefer being in a community that offers sidewalks and good places to walk. Six-in-10 prefer a neighborhood that features a mix of houses, shops and services within an easy walk versus a neighborhood that requires a car for every errand.

In addition to being a preference when it comes to home buying, sidewalks have proven health benefits. According to AARPNC Executive Council Member Dennis Hoadley, one of several AARP volunteers who presented to the Town Council, “People who live in neighborhoods with sidewalks are 47 percent more likely than residents of areas without sidewalks to be active at least 39 minutes a day.”

Sidewalks play a vital role in community life. As conduits for pedestrian movement and access, they enhance connectivity and promote walking. As public spaces, sidewalks are the front steps to the community, activating streets socially and economically.

Safe, accessible, well-maintained sidewalks are a fundamental community investment that enhances public health and maximizes social capital.

AARP reports that sidewalks do lot to increase home values. Putting a sidewalk in front of a residential property might cost a builder $2,000, but it can return 15 times that investment in resale value. According to a 2009 CEOs for Cities report.

The Town Council was appreciative of the information provided by AARP volunteers. As a result of their participation Cary Mayor Harold Weinbrecht invited AARPNC to be part of the city’s planning and discussion not only on sidewalks, but on a host of other issues related to its older residents.

How age-friendly is your town or city? Download a complete set of AARP Livability fact sheets and let’s work together to make North Carolina communities great for people of all ages.