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.

Napoleon, ND

AARP Community Challenge Grant Year: 2024

Project Category: Trails

Description: The city will add signage and benches along a planned walking and bike trail. The trail will run by a new nursing home, enabling residents with mobility challenges and other disabilities to enjoy nature.

Thibodaux, LA

AARP Community Challenge Grant Year: 2022

Project Category: Trails

Description: To encourage residents and visitors to walk and bike, the City of Tampa installed benches and bicycle racks, both downtown and along the Menard Pedestrian Bike Trail.