AARP Oklahoma recently organized a walkability audit in Hochatown, focused on ways to make McCurtain County’s youngest incorporated town more accessible to foot traffic. (Contributed photo)
Contributed article by Shellye Copeland
AARP Oklahoma, in collaboration with the Town of Hochatown and the Southeastern Regional Transportation Planning Organization, successfully facilitated a community Walk Audit recently, aimed at identifying walkability challenges and opportunities along US-259.
The Walk Audit serves as a vital tool for assessing the safety and accessibility of streets, intersections, and neighborhoods.
Participants actively engaged in the audit, providing valuable feedback on sidewalk placements, lighting, crosswalk locations, and other improvements to enhance safety and accessibility for all residents and visitors.
“Creating a walkable environment helps us maintain the small-town community atmosphere,” said Mayor Dian Jordan. “Today’s event allowed community members to voice their ideas and concerns, which will help us create a safer and more accessible environment for everyone.”
Transportation to the northern and southern areas of Hochatown was generously provided by Lift, ensuring all participants could engage fully in the audit. Those attending included area residents, business owners, land owners, developers, grant writers, Oklahoma Department of Transportation engineers and Katie Carroll, field representative for Congressman Josh Brecheen.
