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Borough of Dunellen (2019) Print
2019 AARP Community Challenge Grantee
Project Category
Transportation
└ Trails
└ Trails
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.
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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.
Bath, ME
AARP Community Challenge Grant Year: 2022
Project Category: Trails
Description: This project widened and stabilized the Whiskeag Trail. As additional trail improvements, it also widened bridges and added ramps installed ADA-compliant benches and updated the emergency system.
Presque Isle, ME
AARP Community Challenge Grant Year: 2019
Project Category: Trails
Description: The Presque Isle Bike Walking Trail winds four miles through the heart of town. Working with the local hospital, the City constructed three new trail loops near the local community center, where users can find a water fountain, restrooms and concessions. They also added landscaping, a new bridge and two dedicated parking lots to provide easier access to the trail system. The new loops allow visitors to opt for shorter walks without having to backtrack to return to the trail entrance. Additionally, they provide a more direct connection to downtown, as well access to a playground, splash pad, athletic fields, public market and Riverside Park.
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Metuchen, NJ
AARP Community Challenge Grant Year: 2020
Project Category: Public space activation
Description: Businesses in Metuchen's downtown struggled during pandemic-related shutdowns in 2020. To help with their recovery and resilience, the Metuchen Downtown Alliance made investments in public outdoor spaces, turning a block of New Street into a pedestrian oriented New Streetery. After the Borough Council voted to ease zoning requirements, the Alliance converted street parking spaces into parklets. This created outdoor space for businesses -- including restaurants, shops and fitness studios -- to operate safely. To accommodate diners, the Downtown Alliance purchased over 100 tables with chairs, as well as infrared heaters and lighting. In the summer months, New Street closed to vehicle traffic on weekends, with partial street closures continuing into the winter. Project organizers say that although COVID-19 has since waned, walkability and outdoor dining remain part of Metuchen's downtown culture.
Metuchen, NJ
AARP Community Challenge Grant Year: 2022
Project Category: Public space activation
Description: To create a gathering spot near the city's center for older adults, this project transformed two downtown parking spaces into a parklet with planters, seating and a table decorated with a mosaic.
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