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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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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.
Dryden, NY
AARP Community Challenge Grant Year: 2018
Project Category: Trails
Description: To encourage people to use the Dryden Rail Trail, the Town of Dryden set out to provide resting places and information along the trail. They installed seven benches and three kiosks along the 2.9-mile path, which connects the villages of Dryden and Freeville. The kiosks display maps, trail rules and more. Today, the Town Recreation Department offers intergenerational programming on the trail, including fitness walks, bike outings and community running events.
Acton, ME
AARP Community Challenge Grant Year: 2023
Project Category: Trails
Description: This project will install accessible benches and parking guidance to make it easier for older adults and people with mobility challenges to enjoy the Goat Hill 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 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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