Get involved in our Walk & Audit Series!

AARP has awarded The Judy Weston Garden at Watchung Park (JWG) a grant for a series of "walk audits." As part of the  AARP Community Challenge, a grant program to make tangible improvements in communities that jump-start long-term change, JWG will survey an area encompassing Watchung Park and including access routes to Edgemont Park House, home to Senior Services/Lifelong Montclair programming. 

These audits will assess pedestrian safety for all residents, especially those 50-plus, and will be conducted by intergenerational teams of volunteers and partnering community groups.

Volunteer Walk Auditors

Volunteers will follow a walking route, documenting their observations on a range of preset questions and including photographs.

They will also be encouraged to offer other insights on related issues. 

The walks, including orientation, will take about 1.5 hours. 

  • Walk audits will be scheduled at different times of day and on both weekdays and weekends.

  • In the event of bad weather, the audit will be rescheduled, However, if light rain is expected, the audit will proceed, in order to assess walking safety in wet conditions.

  • Participation incentives are offered to walk volunteers and students seeking community service hours…

Please address any questions to judywestongarden@gmail.com.

Sign up here:

FAQs

    • A walk audit is a method of evaluating how pedestrian-friendly a street or area is by  identifying  barriers such as unsafe crossings or poor sidewalks. Participants log observations and conditions with worksheets and photographs. 

    • A walk audit provides an opportunity to advocate for changes and improvements to an area and brings community members together in other beneficial ways!

    • Residents of all ages are encouraged to participate in our intergenerational teams. In addition, community representatives will take part in the project and in reviewing its findings.  

    • The audit is eager for the insights of those using mobility devices and other forms of assistance in traversing the route.   Please contact judywestongarden@gmail.com for more information and assistance in participation.

    • The audits encompass a route of less than a mile. (See route attached.) 

    • Audits will proceed in teh event of light precipitation.  If pending forecasts indicate heavier rain and/or wind, please check your email and our website.

    • Yes Indeed! Audits offer not only a chance to meet great neighbors, but will include prizes, treats and more…