Claymont, DE

AARP Community Challenge Grant Year: 2018

Project Category: Accessibility of amenities

Description: To allow people of all ages and abilities to walk for exercise, the Claymont Community Center added an outdoor walking path and ramp to its facilities. The new, ADA-accessible walkway leads from the Center's building to its track and fields. Organizers say the pathway will allow more older adults to attend sporting events onside, such as football and baseball games. To make the pathway attractive, volunteers planted flowers. They also installed benches and picnic tables nearby. Organizers plan to add lighting to the walkway in the future, making it easier to traverse after dark.

Newport, NH

AARP Community Challenge Grant Year: 2021

Project Category: Improved wayfinding

Description: Since the area's mills and industrial plants shut down, Newport's economy has struggled to recover. To attract visitors, the Town of Newport is working to rebrand itself Newport as a recreational destination for hiking, biking, cross-country skiing and other outdoor activities. To support these efforts, the Town installed directional signs and kiosks on its trail system. The new amenities help visitors navigate and provide information about local activities. Organizers say the wayfinding improvements made the trail system more accommodating to an influx of visitors seeking out safe, outdoor recreation during COVID-19 pandemic.

Millinocket, ME

AARP Community Challenge Grant Year: 2020

Project Category: Engaging residents in vibrant public places

Description: Residents and leaders in Millinocket, located at the foot of Mount Katahdin, are working to make the town a four-season destination for outdoor recreation. To encourage residents to get outside and interact with their neighbors, the Town held the Katahdin Snowdown, a winter event. Activities included ice skating, snowshoeing, snow art and a bonfire. Organizers offered visitors hot chocolate and coffee. In addition, the Town installed a story walk -- a series of signs along a local hiking trail that each display a portion of a storybook. Equipment purchased for the event -- including benches, pop-up tents, insulated coolers and speakers -- are now available for use at other town events. The outdoor event provided residents with an intergenerational social outing during the early months of the COVID-19 pandemic. In the years since, the Snowdown has become an annual occurrence.