See More Projects Like This One

Unionville, CT

AARP Community Challenge Grant Year: 2022

Project Category: Trails

Description: Farmington improved trail connectivity to Unionville Center, where shops and services were hidden from view. The town installed wayfinding signs, benches, a bike rack and an informational kiosk with a QR code linking to maps and historical tours. Volunteers taught older adults to use the technology, fostering inclusion and engagement. The upgrades encourage walking and biking, boost local businesses and provide resting spots. Residents praised the changes for making trails safer and more inviting for all abilities.

Grand Rapids, MI

AARP Community Challenge Grant Year: 2020

Project Category: Trails

Description: To encourage residents to walk and socialize, the North End Wellness Coalition installed seven benches along the North Quarter Pathways, an urban walking trail in Grand Rapids' Creston neighborhood. The ADA-compliant seating is designed to accommodate residents with limited mobility. To promote walking on the Pathways' five trail loops, the Coalition also founded an Active Living Team, which is working to plan community events and programming. Project organizers say working with City staff to install the benches laid the ground for other improvements throughout Grand Rapids, including upgrades to local parks and new scooter and bike racks.

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."

Nearby AARP Community Challenge Projects

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.

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.

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 Connecticut State Office

21 Oak Street
Suite 104
Hartford, CT 06106
United States

Phone: 866-295-7279
Fax: 860-249-7707
Email: [email protected]