Outdoor Buildings, Structures, and Spaces

The second area that Age- and Dementia-Friendly Winnemucca studied was our outdoor buildings and spaces. Are they accessible? Is there adequate seating for all individuals (those with wheelchairs, walkers, strollers, etc.)? Are there enough handrails? Is there good lighting? The questions go on and on and inspection of our spaces provided us with excellent insight and guidance.
If buildings and structures are related to the government, they are naturally up-to-code and sometimes they are even beyond code such as pedestrian crossings that have audio as well as visual capacity. Other buildings and structures, may not be up to code as they have been "grandfathered in" or are not required to comply with accessibility rules. That is where education becomes so important.
For example, sidewalks. We have lots of sidewalks throughout our city, however, some are in disrepair. Some run in front of one building or home and then not the next making for difficult walking. As a homeowner, I can decide to get the sidewalk fixed at a fairly minimal cost, especially if I am fit enough and have a friendly work team to help me get the job done. With city sidewalks, though, there are requirements for width, depth, design, and so forth, and thus some sidewalks are in a shambles. Making businesses aware of this (as if they did not already know!) was one project goal; the second was informing the city of our project team concern.
Of course, repair all boils down to funding and it seems government entities are always short of cash. Our job then became to remind and remind and remind the city council and others how important good sidewalks are to a livable, walkable community.
Slowly, the idea is brewing. Requirements for new homes include sidewalks and it is the hope that when neighbors see these lovely sidewalks, they will want one, too. That's a start. The second is designating walkways for exercise, fitness, and fun. One of these is from Larios Arms, a senior living community, to the Community Garden. Inside the garden we are planning a circular walkway as well. Simple, doable, and important.
The second walkway project is bigger and will include an exercise pad. Pads are expensive so lots of talking and legwork are in order. But with an idea and a plan, I know we will achieve success.