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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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Presque Isle, ME
AARP Community Challenge Grant Year: 2019
Project Category: Trails
Description: The Presque Isle Bike Walking Trail winds four miles through the heart of town. Working with the local hospital, the City constructed three new trail loops near the local community center, where users can find a water fountain, restrooms and concessions. They also added landscaping, a new bridge and two dedicated parking lots to provide easier access to the trail system. The new loops allow visitors to opt for shorter walks without having to backtrack to return to the trail entrance. Additionally, they provide a more direct connection to downtown, as well access to a playground, splash pad, athletic fields, public market and Riverside Park.
West Rutland, VT
AARP Community Challenge Grant Year: 2018
Project Category: Trails
Description: Visitors walking to West Rutland's public recreation had to walk on the road alongside vehicle traffic. To help residents safety reach the 125-acre greenspace, the Town built a new multiuse trail. The pathway also links to a nearby residential area, giving people easy access to healthy outdoor activities. To accommodate people of all ages and abilities, the pathway has a flat, accessible surface. Project organizers have planned snowshoe tours along the path, as well as a 5K race. They say increased connectivity will give residents better access to physical exercise and draw more visitors to the recreation area. In the future, the Town hope to establish a link from West Rutland's recreation path to Rutland County's trail network.
Acton, ME
AARP Community Challenge Grant Year: 2023
Project Category: Trails
Description: Goat Hill's sweeping views were out of reach for many due to steep terrain and a lack of accessible trails. The Land Trust added cedar benches, signage and kiosks along the newly built trail. This made it easier for older adults and people with mobility challenges to enjoy the climb. Outreach events promoted the trail's inclusive design, and it's now featured in a forthcoming book on accessible trails. "It's a beautiful place for families of all physical abilities to explore and enjoy," said one visitor, underscoring its role in inspiring future projects.
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.
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.
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