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Blue Hill Heritage Trust (2018) Print
2018 AARP Community Challenge Grantee
Project Category
Transportation
└ Trails
└ Trails
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.
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See More Projects Like This One
Millinocket, ME
AARP Community Challenge Grant Year: 2023
Project Category: Trails
Description: The project addressed the need for a safe, comfortable place where older adults and other residents could gather. This was especially warrented since an important community trail lacked lighting and limited opportunities for regular activity and connection. The project transformed an underused room into a flexible space with new seating, lighting and tables. This created a warm setting for conversation, crafting and small group activities. The renewed room strengthened social ties and offered older adults a reliable and accessible place to reduce isolation and engage with others. Volunteers and patrons said they looked forward to using the space, and individuals with disabilities noted that its accessibility will help them participate more easily in group activities.
Scarborough, ME
AARP Community Challenge Grant Year: 2023
Project Category: Trails
Description: Scarborough lacked a safe, walkable space where older adults could exercise and connect. To make its municipal campus more inviting, the library installed five benches along the Green Trail, including one with wheelchair access. They also added plaques with QR codes linking to an interactive map and walking group details. A new webpage highlights eco-friendly features and schedules for group walks. These upgrades have encouraged residents to join walks, rest comfortably and socialize. This has sparked community interest in volunteer-led programs and plans for additional benches.
Stafford, CT
AARP Community Challenge Grant Year: 2018
Project Category: Trails
Description: The Citizen's Advisory Committee partnered with the Town of Stafford to increase recreational opportunities for residents of all ages. To do this, they created the River Walk Trail within Hyde Park. Volunteers worked to construct the trail, excavating the route, installing a fabric barrier and covering it with aggregate stone. The River Walk runs along the Middle River, carrying visitors between Stafford's lively shopping center, past Hyde Park and into nature. "This is really about...building a sense of community," said Donna Wright, a member of the Stafford Citizen's Advisory Committee.
Nearby AARP Community Challenge Projects
Blue Hill, ME
AARP Community Challenge Grant Year: 2025
Project Category: Digital navigation skills
Description: This project will offer digital skills training and internet safety workshops for people age 50-plus. Participants will receive hands-on instruction, access to devices, and personalized support in using technology.
Blue Hill, ME
AARP Community Challenge Grant Year: 2019
Project Category: Innovative home maintenance, repair and support services
Description: To showcase practical, affordable devices that can help older adults remain independent in their homes, Healthy Peninsula put together its Traveling Tool Table display. The tool table features 42 items, including a telephone with picture display, a smoke detector with a strobe light, no-tie elastic shoelaces and a seat cushion that helps a person rise from a chair. The exhibit traveled to five area libraries, where visitors were able to try out the tools and ask local experts questions. Healthy Peninsula designed the exhibit to be lent to other organizations, such as community centers, and featured at events, such as health expos.
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