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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
Chatham, VA
AARP Community Challenge Grant Year: 2026
Project Category: Trails
Description: Wayfinding signs and benches will be added along the town’s walking trail system. These improvements will make walking routes clearer and provide resting spots, helping older adults walk more comfortably and with greater confidence.
Belleville, NJ
AARP Community Challenge Grant Year: 2022
Project Category: Trails
Description: Belleville turned an unused fenced lot into a pocket park to address the lack of green space in its dense neighborhoods, where many older adults lacked outdoor recreation. The project added a walking path, pollinator garden, rock garden and art display areas, with volunteers planting native species and painting rocks. A ribbon-cutting event invited residents to celebrate the new space, which now hosts health fairs and cultural activities. Participants were thrilled, with one saying that they can't wait to host events here, signaling how this transformation fosters connection and creativity.
Project description was created using generative AI and then reviewed for accuracy.
Sitka, AK
AARP Community Challenge Grant Year: 2026
Project Category: Trails
Description: Trail surfaces, steps and drainage will be improved along a scenic loop route. The upgrades will reduce fall risk and maintain safe outdoor access.
Nearby AARP Community Challenge Projects
Boston, MA
AARP Community Challenge Grant Year: 2026
Project Category: Digital navigation skills
Description: The Tech Treasures program will expand digital literacy training for low-income older adults. Participants will receive hands-on instruction in basic technology use, online safety and digital communication.
Boston, MA
AARP Community Challenge Grant Year: 2019
Project Category: Public space activation
Description: To encourage walking, Boston installed benches in Main Street neighborhood districts across the city. Older adults tested and approved the benches and worked with the City to identify the best locations for them. The initiative's guiding principle was that making walking safe and comfortable for older adults creates a better environment for people of all ages. Project organizers report residents were eager to use the new benches. In fact, as Department of Public Works staff were finishing up an installation, a few people were often waiting to take a seat. The benches contribute to vibrant public spaces near businesses and merchants say they appreciate the increased foot traffic. Project organizers say the installations helped develop a city-wide framework for a sustainable bench program, addressing installation and long-term maintenance.
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