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Kennebec Estuary Land Trust (2022) Print
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
Glidden, IA
AARP Community Challenge Grant Year: 2019
Project Category: Trails
Description: Glidden's Northland Park features a mile-long trail system that winds through natural grasslands, a butterfly garden, picnic areas and more. But the park sits across a major roadway from another popular site -- the city's aquatic center. To improve connectivity, City officials set out to create a way to walk from one to the other. They installed more than 600 square feet of additional sidewalk and created a crosswalk across Highway 30, complete with flashing crossing signs to alert drivers of pedestrians.
Colorado Springs, CO
AARP Community Challenge Grant Year: 2018
Project Category: Trails
Description: A walk audit showed people felt unsafe using Colorado Springs' Sand Creek Trail, because the route was dark and uncared for. This project set out to beautify the trail and make the walking route feel safer. Located in the Southeast neighborhood, the route connects the local YMCA, library, school and important services. Improvements included adding lighting beneath a bridge on the route, as well as adding accessible benches. The organization also planned two community cleanup events, as well as a 5k run and a walking group for older adults. Organizers hope the trail upgrades increase walkability, as well as foster a sense of community pride.
Cascade, ID
AARP Community Challenge Grant Year: 2024
Project Category: Trails
Description: Older residents wanted more places to rest along the Strand Trail, a two-mile route central to Cascade's age-friendly plan. Without benches, many avoided longer walks, limiting exercise and social connection. The city installed five durable benches on recycled asphalt bases, creating safe, year-round resting spots. Volunteers helped with installation and outreach to promote use. The benches encourage older adults to walk farther and enjoy birdwatching and conversations along the river corridor. One regular user said the benches mean she can walk farther because "there are now places to rest along the way."
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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