Worcester, VT

AARP Community Challenge Grant Year: 2021

Project Category: Trails

Description: Organizers with the Vermont River Conservancy wanted to allow people of all ages and abilities to enjoy the newly created North Branch Cascades Trail. To make the one-mile route accessible, they worked with a professional trail builder to make the path ADA-compliant. Additionally, VRC added amenities including benches, picnic tables and a privy. To help visitors navigate, they created trail maps and added wayfinding signs marking scenic overlooks and swimming holes along the trail. The improved trail has a gentle grade, which allows people who use wheelchairs to roll all the way to the river's edge. This is something many trails can't offer since river access often involves a scramble down a steep bank. Organizers say the North Branch Cascades Trail has since inspired conversations about how to increase accessibility at other hiking routes in the region.

Goshen, CT

AARP Community Challenge Grant Year: 2023

Project Category: Trails

Description: This project will install benches and informational signage along a new accessible loop trail that provides an experience in nature for people of all ages and abilities.

Newark, NJ

AARP Community Challenge Grant Year: 2025

Project Category: Trails

Description: This project will engage Newarks 50-plus population through interactive events and storytelling sessions to gather input on trails and active transportation.