See More Projects Like This One

Colorado Springs, CO

AARP Community Challenge Grant Year: 2018

Project Category: Trails

Description: A walk audit showed people felt unsafe using Colorado Springs' Sand Creek Trail, because the route was dark and uncared for. This project set out to beautify the trail and make the walking route feel safer. Located in the Southeast neighborhood, the route connects the local YMCA, library, school and important services. Improvements included adding lighting beneath a bridge on the route, as well as adding accessible benches. The organization also planned two community cleanup events, as well as a 5k run and a walking group for older adults. Organizers hope the trail upgrades increase walkability, as well as foster a sense of community pride.

Portland, ME

AARP Community Challenge Grant Year: 2019

Project Category: Trails

Description: This project upgraded the Canco Woods trail, making it the first wheelchair-accessible forested trail in Portland. Volunteers widened the trail and smoothed and hardened its surface. They also replaced a narrow footbridge, installed two benches and added signs announcing the trail's accessibility. Inspiration for the project came after conversations with residents about low usage of local trails. These discussions focused on accessibility needs for people who used wheelchairs, walkers, canes and strollers. Now residents who had never visited the trail before are enjoying its pond, wetlands and pine groves.

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.

Lamoine, ME

AARP Community Challenge Grant Year: 2024

Project Category: Walk Audits

Description: Part of an ongoing safe walking initiative, the town will conduct a walk audit to identify safety issues along a popular trail, with a focus on Lamoine's growing older adult population. Participants will also receive free safe walking kits.

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AARP Maine State Office

53 Baxter Boulevard
Suite 202
Portland, ME 04101
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Phone: 866-554-5380
Fax: 207-775-5727
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