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Metropolitan Area Planning Council (2017) Print
2017 AARP Community Challenge Grantee
Project Category
Transportation
└ Trails
└ Trails
This community engagement initiative sought to identify solutions to allow older adults and people with mobility issues to use off-road trails in Natick. Project organizers met with town staff ahead of two focus groups with older adults, who shared their experiences with local trails. Additionally, the Metropolitan Area Planning Council created an online survey to collect more feedback. Older adults said their main concerns were access to bathrooms, personal safety, clear signage, availability of parking near trailheads, even walking surfaces and benches to sit on. MAPC then held a placemaking event at the Natick Community-Senior Center. Attendees could walk along a prototype trail with photos of planned upgrades and hear from MAPC staff. Participants also had a chance to share their personal stories about the things they've discovered while hiking. The result was a list of practical, low-cost action items the town can use to improve Natick's pathways.
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See More Projects Like This One
Goshen, CT
AARP Community Challenge Grant Year: 2023
Project Category: Trails
Description: This project will install benches and informational signage along a new accessible loop trail that provides an experience in nature for people of all ages and abilities.
Webb City, MO
AARP Community Challenge Grant Year: 2022
Project Category: Trails
Description: This project built a cement ramp leading to the Frisco Trail, along with infrastructure to help people of all abilities enjoy the trail and cross the adjacent road.
Hidden Springs, ID
AARP Community Challenge Grant Year: 2021
Project Category: Trails
Description: Hidden Springs has an extensive network of scenic trails along Dry Creek. But when the ground is wet during winter and spring, the trails become muddy, leading to erosion and sustainability issues. To allow people to use the trails year-round, the Hidden Springs Town Association created an all-weather path. Volunteers laid road mix along four miles of existing trails to connect main roads to the riparian areas, a community farm and agricultural fields. Today, the system welcomes hikers of all ages in all four seasons.
Nearby AARP Community Challenge Projects
Wayland, MA
AARP Community Challenge Grant Year: 2024
Project Category: HomeFit Modifications
Description: This project will support aging in place through home safety trainings for older adults. The Council will also install grab bars in several homes and attendees will receive motion-sensing night lights.
Watertown, MA
AARP Community Challenge Grant Year: 2024
Project Category: Housing stability
Description: This eviction prevention project will offer financial assistance to older adult tenants, which they can put toward rent, home modifications and cleaning services. The city will also provide help with managing medications, obtaining legal referrals and accessing community resources.
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