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2022 AARP Community Challenge Grantee
Project Category
Transportation
└ Trails
└ Trails
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.
Project description was created using generative AI and then reviewed for accuracy.
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See More Projects Like This One
Carbondale, CO
AARP Community Challenge Grant Year: 2022
Project Category: Trails
Description: Benches along the Rio Grande Trail were often placed on uneven ground, leaving older adults and people with mobility challenges without safe resting spots. The initiative partnered with the town to install an ADA-compliant seating area on a cement pad with two benches arranged for conversation and plenty of space for wheelchairs. Shaded by trees and accented with native pollinator plants, the site offers a scenic view and a welcoming spot for social connection. This improvement encourages trail use and supports Carbondale's age-friendly vision.
Project description was created using generative AI and then reviewed for accuracy.
Napoleon, ND
AARP Community Challenge Grant Year: 2024
Project Category: Trails
Description: The city will add signage and benches along a planned walking and bike trail. The trail will run by a new nursing home, enabling residents with mobility challenges and other disabilities to enjoy nature.
Scarborough, ME
AARP Community Challenge Grant Year: 2023
Project Category: Trails
Description: Scarborough lacked a safe, walkable space where older adults could exercise and connect. To make its municipal campus more inviting, the library installed five benches along the Green Trail, including one with wheelchair access. They also added plaques with QR codes linking to an interactive map and walking group details. A new webpage highlights eco-friendly features and schedules for group walks. These upgrades have encouraged residents to join walks, rest comfortably and socialize. This has sparked community interest in volunteer-led programs and plans for additional benches.
Project description was created using generative AI and then reviewed for accuracy.
Nearby AARP Community Challenge Projects
Bath, ME
AARP Community Challenge Grant Year: 2022
Project Category: Accessory dwelling units, tiny homes and manufactured housing
Description: Bath faced rising housing costs and limited options for older adults, especially those with fixed incomes. The coalition partnered with the city and housing agencies to launch a public education campaign on accessory dwelling units (ADUs), creating a toolkit, videos, social media content and presentations. More than 200 residents attended sessions explaining ADU benefits, design and approval processes. The campaign sparked interest in building ADUs, with one participant noting it offered "a way to build a smaller accessible unit for myself and rent my primary home," expanding housing choices for residents.
Project description was created using generative AI and then reviewed for accuracy.
Sagadahoc, ME
AARP Community Challenge Grant Year: 2025
Project Category: Disaster Preparedness
Description: Older adults across several communities expressed fear and uncertainty about emergencies, with many lacking preparedness plans or clear information about local resources. Age-Friendly Communities of the Lower Kennebec hosted six listening sessions where participants shared experiences and concerns about disasters. The conversations emphasized communication, evacuation routes and the importance of checking on neighbors. These led to increased signups for the county emergency notification system. By partnering with county emergency management and centering older adults voices, the project energized communities to begin developing local response plans and laid the groundwork for coordinated preparedness efforts.
Project description was created using generative AI and then reviewed for accuracy.
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