Danvers Accessibility Commission schedules pop‑up walk audit near Pope's Landing for May 27

JD, chair of the Town of Danvers Accessibility Commission, said the commission will hold a community walk audit with Walk Massachusetts on May 27, 2026, at a tentative start time of 5:30 p.m. The audit will focus on a route near Pope's Landing to evaluate a highway crossing, waterfront access, and locations with high pedestrian activity.

The audit follows a planning meeting involving commission members JD and Matt, Walk Massachusetts representatives (Brendan Kearney, Iolando and Kyle), and Aaron Henry from town staff, who reviewed hotspot map data for Danvers. Commission leaders said the group selected 5:30 p.m. as a compromise time intended to capture some evening traffic while remaining accessible to participants coming from work.

Commission members were asked to recruit participants and stakeholders. JD said he will invite local elected officials — including Joan Lovely — and Gardner said he would contact local middle and high school representatives to see if students who walk to school would like to participate. Christi offered to draft a social media post; Matt will confirm the date and time with Walk Massachusetts and add the event to the town calendar once details are finalized.

Organizers listed ideal attendance at 12–25 people but noted that Walk Massachusetts can manage larger groups if needed. The commission planned a debrief for the next regular meeting on May 28, when Aaron Henry will present on walkability and related land‑use issues.

Next steps include confirming the starting location (options discussed included Town Hall, Riverside School and Hannah's Bistro), finalizing the start time with Walk Massachusetts, and posting the event on the town calendar. Matt will email Aaron Henry to confirm the preferred starting location and any indoor meeting space needs.