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Goodwin College (2019) Print
2019 AARP Community Challenge Grantee
Project Category
Transportation
└ Trails
└ Trails
To improve its South Meadows Greenway trail network, Goodwin University created a wheelchair accessible picnic area. The University installed four picnic tables with seating in a location overlooking the Connecticut River. In collaboration with the East Hartford Senior Center, university officials then hosted trail walks with the goal of increasing healthy outdoor recreation for residents of the largely industrial City of East Hartford. Goodwin's campus is located on a former EPA-designated brownfield site, which the school cleaned up. Through its improvements to trails, the university hopes to improve livability in East Hartford.
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Hebron, NE
AARP Community Challenge Grant Year: 2020
Project Category: Trails
Description: The walking trail along the Little Blue River on Hebron's south side is an important pedestrian artery, connecting an area hospital and wellness center with camping, outdoor sports and fitness facilities. To improve public safety and expand the hours when residents can use the path, Hebron installed solar-powered lights. The Thayer County Walking Coalition, a local advocacy group, has worked to convince local officials to improve the trail and promote its use. With their input, the City has increased the length of local trails by about two miles in recent years. Going forward, the coalition and City hope to install lighting along additional trail segments.
Lakeland, FL
AARP Community Challenge Grant Year: 2023
Project Category: Trails
Description: Lakeland's Dixieland neighborhood lacked a safe route for older adults to reach Drane Park and nearby shops. The Hillcrest Street Connection added ADA ramps, striped crosswalks, speed humps and flashing beacons at key intersections. They also installed wayfinding signs linking three major walking and biking routes. These upgrades slowed traffic and improved safety, making it easier for residents to walk and connect with the broader trail network. As one neighborhood leader said, "The two speed bumps and the new crosswalk improvements have made this safer for both motorists and pedestrians."
Project description was created using generative AI and then reviewed for accuracy.
Jackson, MS
AARP Community Challenge Grant Year: 2022
Project Category: Trails
Description: Jackson's Museum Trail lacked inviting spaces for rest and social connection. The foundation added plazas with benches, bike racks, pet stations, trash cans and murals under the Fortification Street bridge. This helped create vibrant stops along the trail. These upgrades made the trail more welcoming for older adults and families and helped secure approval for future phases. One resident said that he was so excited about the transformation along the newly accessible trail, and expressed how much he now enjoys walking along it with his family.
Project description was created using generative AI and then reviewed for accuracy.
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Manchester, CT
AARP Community Challenge Grant Year: 2024
Project Category: Community Gardens
Description: To combat food insecurity and isolation, the organization transformed its property into a welcoming outdoor space with raised garden beds and picnic tables. Volunteers maintained the gardens, which yielded tomatoes, peppers, eggplant, okra, watermelon and herbs for free distribution. A ribbon-cutting event marked the opening, and older adults embraced the space as a place to share meals and conversation. The project not only provided fresh produce to improve nutrition, but also fostered inclusion and strengthened community ties. It has created a vibrant setting that will expand in future seasons.
Project description was created using generative AI and then reviewed for accuracy.
Wethersfield, CT
AARP Community Challenge Grant Year: 2019
Project Category: Bikeability
Description: To improve the walkability and bikeability Wethersfield, the Town installed bike racks, signage and benches at several locations, including recreational spaces, municipal facilities and commercial areas. In addition, the town created walk and bike path maps, which it posted online.
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