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Fitlot (2017) Print
2017 AARP Community Challenge Grantee
Project Category
Transportation
└ Trails
└ Trails
Construction of an ADA-accessible footbridge and walking path connected a community FitLot to the Lafitte Greenway, an active rails-to-trails pedestrian path. Before, people had to jump across a muddy stretch of grass to reach the fitness park from the greenway. Since the City of New Orleans suffers from one of the largest health disparity gaps in the nation, project organizers also set up a no-cost fitness program taught by professional trainers. The classes attract local older adults. "Every time I'm here they are very happy and motivated," trainer Natoya Wayne said. "They interact with each other and encourage each other during the session, and that motivates me."
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Medicine Lodge, KS
AARP Community Challenge Grant Year: 2022
Project Category: Trails
Description: The Intertribal Powwow Grounds lacked accessible infrastructure, making it hard for tribal elders and visitors to participate fully in cultural events. The association installed a concrete parking area with four accessible spaces, a sidewalk linking key areas and benches for rest. These upgrades created a safe, welcoming environment and set the stage for the Five Tribes Outdoor Museum Trail. Volunteers-many age 50-plus -helped complete the work, ensuring the space will serve as a year-round destination. A tribal member mentioned how helpful the sidewalk and benches are going to be.
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.
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.
Nearby AARP Community Challenge Projects
New Orleans, LA
AARP Community Challenge Grant Year: 2025
Project Category: Public space activation
Description: This project will transform an unused lot into an orchard and social community space with fruit trees, benches, bike racks, and accessible walkways.
New Orleans, LA
AARP Community Challenge Grant Year: 2022
Project Category: Lifelong housing and accessibility
Description: In New Orleans' Central City, soaring rents and a 20,000-person voucher waitlist left older adults facing unsafe housing. Bethlehem built a 2-bedroom ADA-accessible home with a wheelchair lift, partnering with Tulane architecture students for design and labor. The project drew more than 100 neighbors to a blessing event and mobilized 500 donors. It also prompted a zoning change allowing affordable housing in 3- and 4-plexes citywide and inspired plans for three more units. One visitor said, "He broke down crying... and told me his father had lived in affordable housing that was unsafe."
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