AARP Hearing Center
AARP Livable Communities Map
Age-Friendly Sullivan with Town of Sullivan (2021) Print
2021 AARP Community Challenge Grantee
Project Category
Transportation
└ Trails
└ Trails
Sullivan has a network of hiking trials but lacked options for people with mobility challenges. To give residents of all ages and abilities a place to walk, Age-Friendly Sullivan installed an accessible walking trail at the Sorrento-Sullivan Recreation Center. First, volunteers worked to prepare an underused area on the rec center's property, creating drainage culverts and mowing grass. Then they spread crushed gravel to create a hard, flat trail surface. Before, the recreation center offered several amenities aimed at children and youth, including a playground, basketball courts and a skate park. The trail represents an offering people of all ages -- including older adults -- can use. Since creating the trail, the age-friendly initiative has worked with partners to add benches, fitness equipment and a story walk along the route.
Photo Gallery
Image:
Click on a photo to learn more
See More Projects Like This One
Tampa, FL
AARP Community Challenge Grant Year: 2022
Project Category: Trails
Description: This project constructed a pathway which connects and important commercial corridor, an apartment complex for older adults and a walking loop in Takomah Trail Park.
Searsmont, ME
AARP Community Challenge Grant Year: 2022
Project Category: Trails
Description: This project created new seating, trailhead kiosks with information about the area and new accessible parking spots at an existing riverfront trail.
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
Sullivan, ME
AARP Community Challenge Grant Year: 2023
Project Category: Public safety interventions
Description: The grant will fund an automated external defibrillator (AED) for the town's community building, which will be accessible to anyone using the facilities for exercise, meetings or other activities.
Sullivan, ME
AARP Community Challenge Grant Year: 2025
Project Category: Engaging residents in vibrant public places
Description: Age-Friendly Sullivan will upgrade the Community Gazebo in Sumner Park with new electrical outlets, structural repairs, and a new roof. The project aims to enhance the gazebo for public events and celebrations, focusing on the needs of residents age 50-plus.
LEARN MORE AND STAY INFORMED
Find articles and resources about making communities more livable for people of all ages
Download or order free publications from AARP Livable Communities
Sign up for the free, weekly, award-winning AARP Livable Communities eNewsletter
Don't see your community listed?
LEARN HOW IT CAN JOIN THE NETWORKConnect with your AARP State Office
AARP has offices in all 50 states as well as in the District of Columbia, Puerto Rico and the U.S. Virgin Islands.
AARP Maine State Office
53 Baxter Boulevard
Suite 202
Portland, ME 04101
United States