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City of Newport (2019) Print
2019 AARP Community Challenge Grantee
Project Category
Transportation
└ Trails
└ Trails
Newport's downtown sits on the southern shore of Lake Memphremagog, which extends north to Canada. But because privately-owned businesses and homes cut off the Newport's downtown from the lake, public access to the water was limited. With its Look to the Lake initiative, the town hoped to reorient itself to take advantage of lake activities -- something town officials hoped would have economic development benefits. When a local business owner offered up his private land to create a pedestrian connector trail and boat docks, the City was able to develop the waterfront. Grant funding enabled construction of a much-needed bridge at the site. Since then, the City has acquired more waterfront land, allowing it to create new trails and connect existing ones. The City has also added a parklet at the Newport Waterfront Recreational Trail's trailhead. Today, Newport residents have access to a seven-mile lakefront corridor.
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See More Projects Like This One
Three Forks, MT
AARP Community Challenge Grant Year: 2020
Project Category: Trails
Description: The City of Three Forks improved its Headwaters Trail system by installing benches and bike racks, as well as signage displaying trail directions and mileage. Project organizers placed the new benches at prime locations for viewing wildlife. The City also modified the pavement where trails cross local streets to make them easily passable for wheelchair users. These improvements helped bolster community support for the Jefferson Trail Loop -- a new trail within the Headwaters system.
Hastings, NE
AARP Community Challenge Grant Year: 2019
Project Category: Trails
Description: To facilitate outdoor physical activity for its residents, the City of Hastings installed four Rest/Rehydrate/Repair stations along the Pioneer Spirit Trail. Each station features a bench, accessible water fountain and pet dish, as well as a concrete pad where bikes can safety pull off the trail. They included shade trees and other landscaping at each location. In addition, two of the stations feature bicycle repair stands with air pumps and other tools. Since their installation, the 3R stations have welcomed thousands of visitors. As part of plans to expand the Pioneer Spirit Trail, the City plans to construct more 3R stations.
Woodstock, IL
AARP Community Challenge Grant Year: 2022
Project Category: Trails
Description: This project built a wide pathway of crushed limestone through the deep woods in Emricson Park. To give people a place to rest and observe nature, the city also created seating areas along the pathway.
Nearby AARP Community Challenge Projects
Greensboro, VT
AARP Community Challenge Grant Year: 2022
Project Category: Park enhancements
Description: To increase enjoyment of outdoor public places, this project built a nature trail and added a deck to the town's pond.
Richford, VT
AARP Community Challenge Grant Year: 2024
Project Category: Public space activation
Description: This project will support efforts to create a welcome center at a downtown outdoor space. The new space will feature seating, raised garden beds and a community food pantry, which will offer residents free produce grown onsite.
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