Building a Walkable and Accessible Community for All

As we enter the fall season, there’s a lot to appreciate about the beauty of Avalon Park. From the tree-lined streets to the bustling downtown filled with shops and restaurants, it’s a community designed for convenience and connection. While having a walkable community is something we have always championed, it’s equally important to focus on accessibility for everyone. A truly great community is one where everyone, regardless of ability, feels welcome and supported.

I am excited to update you on the strides being taken to ensure our community is not only walkable but also accessible to all our residents, whether they’re children, seniors, or those with unique physical challenges. One such example is the incredible work being done by NeuroRestorative, an organization that provides rehabilitation for brain and spinal cord injury patients. Their commitment to improving lives aligns perfectly with our vision for Avalon Park as a place where residents can navigate their surroundings comfortably and independently. Our town’s thoughtful design—with amenities, parks, medical offices, and shopping all within reach—makes it the ideal place for their patients to reintegrate into everyday life.

One of the latest improvements to enhance walkability and accessibility in our community is the county’s installation of new lighted crosswalks by Encore. With our vibrant community of residents of all ages, including many seniors, these crosswalks ensure that everyone can cross safely. The county’s addition of these lighted crosswalks is a testament to our commitment to building an environment where safety and accessibility go hand-in-hand.

We are also proud to support our community partner, an innovative company that’s revolutionizing indoor navigation for individuals with sight impairments. Imagine a system similar to Google Maps but designed for indoor spaces. Polaris’ technology allows users to navigate buildings with real-time guidance, adapting to dynamic changes within the environment. This tool provides a fully guided experience throughout the entirety of a building, whether it’s an office, shopping area, or healthcare facility. In case of emergencies like fires or active shooter events, the system can push dynamic exit routes to users, ensuring their safety.

This kind of forward-thinking technology aligns perfectly with our goal of making Avalon Park a community where all individuals can thrive. By incorporating solutions like Polaris’ indoor navigation system, we’re creating spaces where independence and safety are accessible to everyone.

We often talk about Avalon Park as a walkable community, but it’s more than just being able to stroll down the street to grab a coffee. It’s about making sure every resident, regardless of age or ability, can navigate our community with ease. Whether it’s installing new crosswalks, partnering with organizations like NeuroRestorative, or adopting cutting-edge technology from Polaris, we are committed to a future where Avalon Park serves as a model for inclusivity and accessibility.

So, as you enjoy your coffee and a walk through our beautiful community this month, take pride in knowing that Avalon Park is not just built to be enjoyed, but designed to welcome and support all. That’s what makes us not just a walkable community, but an accessible one for everyone.