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Age-Friendly South Portland (2021) Print
2021 AARP Community Challenge Grantee
Project Category
Transportation
└ Trails
└ Trails
The Greenbelt Trail, which serves pedestrians and cyclists, crosses several busy streets in South Portland. To make those crossings safer, Age-Friendly South Portland conducted a monthlong tactical urbanism project. They painted road delineators to separate cyclists from traffic, along with high-visibility signage to alert drivers to the crossings. Curb bump-outs decreased the distance needed for trail users to cross the street. While the fixtures were temporary, organizers gathered feedback from residents during the demonstration, which they featured in a presentation to the public works department. Project organizers report the project spurred the City to make permanent changes to one crossing.
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Stafford, CT
AARP Community Challenge Grant Year: 2018
Project Category: Trails
Description: The Citizen's Advisory Committee partnered with the Town of Stafford to increase recreational opportunities for residents of all ages. To do this, they created the River Walk Trail within Hyde Park. Volunteers worked to construct the trail, excavating the route, installing a fabric barrier and covering it with aggregate stone. The River Walk runs along the Middle River, carrying visitors between Stafford's lively shopping center, past Hyde Park and into nature. "This is really about...building a sense of community," said Donna Wright, a member of the Stafford Citizen's Advisory Committee.
Thibodaux, LA
AARP Community Challenge Grant Year: 2022
Project Category: Trails
Description: Limited seating and bike storage made new outdoor spaces less inviting for older adults and cyclists. To address this, the city added bike racks, benches, picnic tables and trash receptacles at the downtown boardwalk pavilion, creating a welcoming spot for rest and recreation. These improvements complement a larger trail project and promote active living for older adults. The pavilion now hosts community events and serves as a model for future accessibility upgrades across the city.
Project description was created using generative AI and then reviewed for accuracy.
Dunellen, NJ
AARP Community Challenge Grant Year: 2019
Project Category: Trails
Description: To make the half-mile trail in Columbia Park more accessible, the Borough of Dunellen installed 12 ADA-compliant benches. Volunteers added mulch around each bench and planted trees, shrubs and pollinator-friendly vegetation, with plaques identifying each plant. They also painted a footbridge connecting the part to a residential neighborhood. The project engaged Dunellen's mayor and Borough Council, along with the Dunellen Shade Tree Commission, the parks and recreation and public works departments, the Dunellen Arts and Culture Commission, the Dunellen Senior Club, the local football team and the Dunellen Municipal Alliance. Since installation, the Borough has seen a 44 percent uptick in trails users, as well as a 50 percent increase in older adults visiting the trail.
Nearby AARP Community Challenge Projects
South Portland, ME
AARP Community Challenge Grant Year: 2022
Project Category: Engaging people in transportation options/safety
Description: The Green Belt Trail use surged, but speeding bikes and unclear crossings made the trail risky for older walkers. The project installed dynamic speed signs to slow cyclists, and added high-visibility crosswalk signage and temporary traffic-calming measures. It also distributed reflective gear at a local resource fair. Trail users stated that cars notice the crosswalks now and are more likely to stop, and that the pedestrian experience is now far more enjoyable.
Project description was created using generative AI and then reviewed for accuracy.
South Portland, ME
AARP Community Challenge Grant Year: 2024
Project Category: Emergency preparedness skills
Description: South Portlands coastal location faces flooding and severe weather risks, yet many older adults in public housing lacked clear evacuation plans and resources. Volunteers reached 388 residents through workshops and housing presentations. They distributed Go-kits with essentials like lanterns and first aid supplies, plus large-print and translated materials. The effort built new partnerships with the Fire Department and Housing Authority, sparked safety programs and secured an additional grant for disaster food packs. Residents even formed buddy systems to support each other during emergencies.
Project description was created using generative AI and then reviewed for accuracy.
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