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Hartsburg Walk Audit
[September 26, 2026]
Recently, the Village of
Hartsburg has made news for several community improvements, and the
village board and community members continue to look for
opportunities to improve the town. This year, AARP selected them for
the $2,500 Capacity Building Microgrant. Last weekend, they
completed one of the requirements for receiving the funds; several
board members and citizens gathered to participate in the walk
audit.
The walk audit helps them identify
sidewalks, crosswalks, and signage that need repair or improvement.
The group gathered at village hall on Saturday morning. They
received red AARP walk audit T-shirts and were given granola bars
and water. After Mayor Darien Ritterbush explained the goal of the
walk audit, board member Kate Wright handed out a survey for walkers
to note areas in need of attention. Then, they split into two teams.
One side worked the east side of the railroad tracks, and the other
worked the west side. Each team designated a scribe to take notes on
areas needing improvement, and the groups thoroughly discussed what
they thought was needed.
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After the audit, the mayor said
that they “identified areas with ADA accessibility opportunities,
sidewalks that need repairs, and places where adding new sidewalks
could improve safety and connectivity around town.” He added that
“The great thing is that the walk audit doesn’t just help us today.
It gives the Village a resource we can use when pursuing future
sidewalk grants.” Identifying and documenting their needs now will
better prepare them for new opportunities.
[Joli Boerma Crane]
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