Newport, VT

AARP Community Challenge Grant Year: 2019

Project Category: Trails

Description: 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.

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.

Medicine Lodge, KS

AARP Community Challenge Grant Year: 2022

Project Category: Trails

Description: This project built a paved path at the Five Tribes Outdoor Museum Trail, connecting the parking area to trail features.