AARP Hearing Center
AARP Livable Communities Map
City of Napoleon (2024) Print
2024 AARP Community Challenge Grantee
Project Category
Transportation
└ Trails
└ Trails
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.
Photo Gallery
Image:
Click on a photo to learn more
See More Projects Like This One
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.
Grafton, WV
AARP Community Challenge Grant Year: 2022
Project Category: Trails
Description: Grafton's Three Bridges Loop lacked safe sidewalks and resting spots, forcing walkers-especially older adults-to navigate muddy shoulders or streets. The city installed two benches and directional signage along the route and celebrated the improvements with a community event. These additions, paired with a new sidewalk and lighting, gave residents a safer, more accessible walking path. Older adults in assisted housing can now walk to a grocery store, and residents praised the project as "a beautiful addition" to the area.
Project description was created using generative AI and then reviewed for accuracy.
Sullivan, ME
AARP Community Challenge Grant Year: 2021
Project Category: Trails
Description: 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.
Nearby AARP Community Challenge Projects
Jamestown, ND
AARP Community Challenge Grant Year: 2019
Project Category: Roadway/sidewalks/crosswalk improvement
Description: Jamestown's Parks and Recreation Department hosted a pop-up event to test the viability of a path connecting the existing Jamestown River Trail with the local university, high school and activity center. They deployed traffic cones and signage to cordon off a temporary route for bikes and pedestrians along Highway 20. Organizers collected community feedback before and after the Pop-Up Walk/Bike Trail event, hoping to use the responses in future grant funding applications. "That's what we're looking for input on, where do folks want to cross the road," said Amy Walters, director of the Two Rivers Activity Center. "What is going to make people feel the safest?" Of those surveyed, 94 percent of people said they would like to see a permanent path installed along the route, with 62 percent of people saying they would use it at least four days a week. Since the project a committee has continued to meet to create a plan to connect existing paths in Jamestown and explore funding options.
Bismarck, ND
AARP Community Challenge Grant Year: 2024
Project Category: Public art installations
Description: A deteriorating pedestrian tunnel along Bismarck's riverfront trail discouraged use and raised safety concerns. To address this, the organization engaged 684 residents, including older adults, in paint and mosaic parties to create dozens of mural panels and a mosaic piece. Artists were trained in the Polytab method, ensuring the mural lasts decades and withstands harsh weather. Beyond aesthetics, the project fostered social connection and creative engagement for older adults. Upon installation, the tunnel will be transformed into a welcoming space and local artists will be equiped with sustainable skills.
Project description was created using generative AI and then reviewed for accuracy.
LEARN MORE AND STAY INFORMED
Find articles and resources about making communities more livable for people of all ages
Download or order free publications from AARP Livable Communities
Sign up for the free, weekly, award-winning AARP Livable Communities eNewsletter
Don't see your community listed?
LEARN HOW IT CAN JOIN THE NETWORKConnect with your AARP State Office
AARP has offices in all 50 states as well as in the District of Columbia, Puerto Rico and the U.S. Virgin Islands.
AARP North Dakota State Office
107 W. Main Avenue
Suite 125
Bismarck, ND 58501
United States