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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.
Bath, ME
AARP Community Challenge Grant Year: 2022
Project Category: Trails
Description: The Whiskeag Trail needed upgrades to serve older adults and reduce barriers for low-income residents. Volunteers widened two miles of trail, installed six ADA-compliant benches and built eight ramped boardwalk bridges. These improvements increased accessibility and sparked plans for universal design upgrades on other sections. One organizer noted that after a conversation with a local older adult, the volunteers added an additional bench to further improve trail walkability.
Project description was created using generative AI and then reviewed for accuracy.
Acton, ME
AARP Community Challenge Grant Year: 2023
Project Category: Trails
Description: Goat Hill's sweeping views were out of reach for many due to steep terrain and a lack of accessible trails. The Land Trust added cedar benches, signage and kiosks along the newly built trail. This made it easier for older adults and people with mobility challenges to enjoy the climb. Outreach events promoted the trail's inclusive design, and it's now featured in a forthcoming book on accessible trails. "It's a beautiful place for families of all physical abilities to explore and enjoy," said one visitor, underscoring its role in inspiring future projects.
Project description was created using generative AI and then reviewed for accuracy.
Nearby AARP Community Challenge Projects
Colorado Springs, CO
AARP Community Challenge Grant Year: 2017
Project Category: Trails
Description: Innovations in Aging Collaborative focuses on issues affecting the growing older population in the Pikes Peak area. As part of that focus, IIAC hoped to promote healthy recreational activity and reduce high rates of health problems, such as diabetes. Partnering with local organizations, including the YMCA of the Pikes Peak Region, Bike Colorado Springs and AARP Colorado, IIAC activated areas around the Sand Creek Trail. This included hosting community creek clean-ups, as well as a mural project involving a local artist and students. Since the activation, the City of Colorado Springs has continued to make improvements to the Sand Creek Trail.
Pueblo, CO
AARP Community Challenge Grant Year: 2021
Project Category: Housing stability
Description: For years, Posada worked with unhoused residents of Pueblo to help them find temporary and permanent housing. Once the COVID-19 pandemic hit, however, those served by Posada were even more in crisis, so the organization shifted its resources to emergency needs such as food aid and rent and utility assistance. Posada also began renovating a former motel into single-room-occupancy units for older adults experiencing homelessness. When completed, the former Sunset Motel will include 17 units, and its residents will have convenient access to case managers and supportive services, including health care.
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