See More Projects Like This One

Dunellen, NJ

AARP Community Challenge Grant Year: 2019

Project Category: Trails

Description: To make the half-mile trail in Columbia Park more accessible, the Borough of Dunellen installed 12 ADA-compliant benches. Volunteers added mulch around each bench and planted trees, shrubs and pollinator-friendly vegetation, with plaques identifying each plant. They also painted a footbridge connecting the part to a residential neighborhood. The project engaged Dunellen's mayor and Borough Council, along with the Dunellen Shade Tree Commission, the parks and recreation and public works departments, the Dunellen Arts and Culture Commission, the Dunellen Senior Club, the local football team and the Dunellen Municipal Alliance. Since installation, the Borough has seen a 44 percent uptick in trails users, as well as a 50 percent increase in older adults visiting the trail.

Scarborough, ME

AARP Community Challenge Grant Year: 2023

Project Category: Trails

Description: This project will establish a network of walking paths to provide a safe place and programs for older adults to exercise and socialize outdoors in a community that lacks a walkable downtown.

Grafton, WV

AARP Community Challenge Grant Year: 2022

Project Category: Trails

Description: This project enhanced an unofficial walking trail by installing additional benches and directional signage to make it safer and more accessible for residents.

Nearby AARP Community Challenge Projects

Liberty, ME

AARP Community Challenge Grant Year: 2020

Project Category: Accessibility of amenities

Description: Getting into the water at Liberty's popular public beaches has always been treacherous, especially for older people and those less able to navigate the slippery, uneven granite ledges at the shore. To make two local lakes more accessible, the Citizen's Association of Liberty Lakes added new steps and handrails. Designed to be removed at the end of each beach season, the non-skid steps and handrails at Steven's Pond are made of aluminum. The custom handrail at Lake St. George is bolted to the ledge, partly underwater. The Association also added picnic tables and benches for year-round use at both sites. I'm so glad you put in this handrail for us older adult swimmers, one visitor told project organizers. I used to dread navigating the slippery rocks to get my swims. Now I can feel safe. Organizers also say the project strengthened cooperation between the Citizens' Association and the Town of Liberty.

Vassalboro, ME

AARP Community Challenge Grant Year: 2024

Project Category: Community Gardens

Description: This town will add raised garden beds with benches outside Vassalboro's municipal office. The new community garden will serve as an outdoor classroom and gathering space and will allow residents to grow healthy food.

LEARN MORE AND STAY INFORMED

Find articles and resources about making communities more livable for people of all ages

people icon

Download or order free publications from AARP Livable Communities

download icon

Sign up for the free, weekly, award-winning AARP Livable Communities eNewsletter

mail icon

Don't see your community listed?

LEARN HOW IT CAN JOIN THE NETWORK

Connect 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 Maine State Office

53 Baxter Boulevard
Suite 202
Portland, ME 04101
United States

Phone: 866-554-5380
Fax: 207-775-5727
Email: [email protected]