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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.
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See More Projects Like This One
Thibodaux, LA
AARP Community Challenge Grant Year: 2022
Project Category: Trails
Description: Limited seating and bike storage made new outdoor spaces less inviting for older adults and cyclists. To address this, the city added bike racks, benches, picnic tables and trash receptacles at the downtown boardwalk pavilion, creating a welcoming spot for rest and recreation. These improvements complement a larger trail project and promote active living for older adults. The pavilion now hosts community events and serves as a model for future accessibility upgrades across the city.
Project description was created using generative AI and then reviewed for accuracy.
Searsmont, ME
AARP Community Challenge Grant Year: 2022
Project Category: Trails
Description: Waldo County lacked accessible outdoor spaces, leaving many older adults isolated and inactive. The Gibson Wellness Walk converted 0.4 miles of riverfront into an ADA-compliant trail with a stable surface, five rest areas, accessible parking and interpretive kiosks. The trail now offers safe recreation for residents of all ages and will be maintained permanently. Community enthusiasm has prompted plans for another accessible trail. One person noted that since the trail went in, he has noticed many more people using it, including those on wheelchairs, crutches and with baby strollers.
Project description was created using generative AI and then reviewed for accuracy.
South Portland, ME
AARP Community Challenge Grant Year: 2021
Project Category: Trails
Description: 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.
Nearby AARP Community Challenge Projects
Sullivan, ME
AARP Community Challenge Grant Year: 2023
Project Category: Public safety interventions
Description: In Sullivan, where hospitals are up to 20 miles away and heart disease is a leading cause of death, older adults often gather for exercise at the town office. To address the risk of delayed emergency care, Age-Friendly Sullivan installed an automated external defibrillator and partnered with EMTs to train staff and volunteers. The AED is now accessible during classes and community events, and additional training sessions are planned to expand readiness. The Town Manager said, "With this new equipment we can further support our community in a way we had not been able to before."
Project description was created using generative AI and then reviewed for accuracy.
Sullivan, ME
AARP Community Challenge Grant Year: 2025
Project Category: Engaging residents in vibrant public places
Description: The project addressed the need for a safe, functional gathering space after the community gazebo had deteriorated and become less suitable for events. Crews replaced the old roof, repaired damaged wood, upgraded electrical systems, mitigated mold and refreshed the landscaping to make the structure safer and more welcoming. These changes supported community events and encouraged broader use of the park. Residents began planning expanded music activities. Some older adults gained more reliable access to performances and celebrations. The improvements strengthened the gazebo's role as a central gathering place and prompted continued efforts to improve accessibility throughout the park.
Project description was created using generative AI and then reviewed for accuracy.
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