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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
Blue Hill, ME
AARP Community Challenge Grant Year: 2018
Project Category: Trails
Description: This project set out to create age-friendly trails in Blue Hill. Efforts included constructing an accessible walking path and installing benches along it to give older adults and people with mobility challenges a place to rest. Part of the town's larger Connectivity Plan, organizers hoped the trails would encourage intergenerational activities and give residents opportunities for physical activity. The route runs through Blue Hill's downtown, allowing people to walk to local amenities and shops.
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.
Dunellen, NJ
AARP Community Challenge Grant Year: 2019
Project Category: Trails
Description: To make the half-mile trail in Columbia Park more accessible, the Borough of Dunellen installed 12 ADA-compliant benches. Volunteers added mulch around each bench and planted trees, shrubs and pollinator-friendly vegetation, with plaques identifying each plant. They also painted a footbridge connecting the part to a residential neighborhood. The project engaged Dunellen's mayor and Borough Council, along with the Dunellen Shade Tree Commission, the parks and recreation and public works departments, the Dunellen Arts and Culture Commission, the Dunellen Senior Club, the local football team and the Dunellen Municipal Alliance. Since installation, the Borough has seen a 44 percent uptick in trails users, as well as a 50 percent increase in older adults visiting the trail.
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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