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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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Searsmont, ME
AARP Community Challenge Grant Year: 2022
Project Category: Trails
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Cascade, ID
AARP Community Challenge Grant Year: 2024
Project Category: Trails
Description: The city will add benches to a two-mile paved trail, improving accessibility for older adults who use it for walking, running, observing nature and socializing.
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.
Nearby AARP Community Challenge Projects
South Portland, ME
AARP Community Challenge Grant Year: 2022
Project Category: Engaging people in transportation options/safety
Description: The local age-friendly initiative conducted awalk audit to identify ways to improve safety on the Green Belt Trail. Volunteers also installed signage to help visitors navigate the trail. To inform the public about how to use the route, Age-Friendly Portland produced a segment for air on local access television.
South Portland, ME
AARP Community Challenge Grant Year: 2024
Project Category: Emergency preparedness skills
Description: This project will promote emergency preparedness, focusing on the needs of older adults. Displays at community events and workshops will teach residents how to make an evacuation plan and kit.
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