Citizens for Modern Transit and AARP in St. Louis To Host MetroLink Walk Audits to Examine Transit Space Opportunities

With much discussion surrounding the need for development around transit, Citizens for Modern Transit and AARP in St. Louis are teaming up to host a series of walk audits at key MetroLink Stations. Led by the locally based architecture and design firm Arcturis, the walk audits will examine ways to activate these spaces and create safer, more vibrant areas. The first one is set for Wednesday, Aug. 24 at 9 a.m. at the North Hanley MetroLink Station.

“In order to take transit to the next level in our community, we need to begin examining ways to activate the spaces around MetroLink Stations and transform them into focal points for activity,” commented Kim Cella, executive director of Citizens for Modern Transit. “The goal is for these locations to become ‘destinations’ where individuals can meet friends for coffee, grab groceries or take time out to relax and unwind.”

The concept being utilized during the walk audits is known as placemaking. It helps take a space, like a transit station that people pass through in route to their next destination, and looks for ways for it to be transformed into an active, engaging corridor that connects individuals and neighborhoods by offering access to products, services and green spaces.

The walk audits will take approximately three hours. Those in attendance will meet at the North Hanley MetroLink Station where they will join a walking focus group to look at all areas of the station. From there, the group will take the MetroLink to the University of Missouri – St. Louis campus for a follow-up conversation to discuss how the area can capitalize on its assets to promote health, opportunity and well-being for North Hanley transit users, as well as everyone else who lives, works and plays near that transit station.

“AARP is committed to helping make communities livable for people of all ages,” said Sheila Holm, Community Outreach director for AARP in St. Louis. “Our Placemaking engagement aims to help improve the quality of the transit spaces, spark public dialogue, create civic pride, connect neighborhoods, and nurture a sense of place in the community.

Additional walk audits are set for Friday, Sept. 16 at the Forest Park MetroLink Station and on Friday, Oct. 14 at the Delmar MetroLink Station. To learn more about placemaking, the upcoming walk audits and how members of the general public can weigh-in, contact Citizens for Modern Transit at 314-231-7272, visit www.cmt-stl.org, find the organization on Facebook or follow them CMT on Twitter @CMT_STL. To learn more about AARP in St. Louis visit www.aarp.org/stlouis.

Contacts: Kelly Harris, The Hauser Group, 314.436.9090; Kim Cella, CMT, 314.231.7272; Anita Parran, AARP MO, 816.360.2202, Sheila Holm, AARP in St. Louis, 314.359.6550