See More Projects Like This One

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.

Cascade, ID

AARP Community Challenge Grant Year: 2020

Project Category: Trails

Description: A half-mile section of Cascade's popular Strand Trail was muddy, icy or snowy much of the year. To make it accessible year-round, the City of Cascade leveled and paved the trail's surface. Project organizers also added three new benches and wayfinding signage. The improved trail segment connects two branches of the Strand Trail, which meanders for two miles along the Payette River and offers visitors stunning views of nearby mountains and bird watching and fishing opportunities. Additionally, it extends access to a visitor's center and to Kelly's Whitewater Park, a nonprofit facility serving whitewater rafters, kayakers and paddle boarders. The City is planning to pave another trail section in the future.

East Bridgewater, MA

AARP Community Challenge Grant Year: 2018

Project Category: Trails

Description: Healthy East Bridgewater -- a community coalition convened by the Old Colony YMCA -- sought to improve connectivity and accessibility along the Hiking Viking Trail. Established in 2015, the trail features a 5-mile walking loop linking Bridgewater's town hall to the YMCA and other locations. Project organizers installed five new benches along the pathway, added signage to help people find their way and installed boardwalks to level out a portion of the walkway. To welcome visitors, they then hosted an October Pumpkin Walk, which drew about 400 participants. Since completing the improvements, organizers say they've seen increased community interest in the trail and its amenities.

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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AARP Maine State Office

53 Baxter Boulevard
Suite 202
Portland, ME 04101
United States

Phone: 866-554-5380
Fax: 207-775-5727
Email: [email protected]