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Worcester, VT

AARP Community Challenge Grant Year: 2021

Project Category: Trails

Description: Organizers with the Vermont River Conservancy wanted to allow people of all ages and abilities to enjoy the newly created North Branch Cascades Trail. To make the one-mile route accessible, they worked with a professional trail builder to make the path ADA-compliant. Additionally, VRC added amenities including benches, picnic tables and a privy. To help visitors navigate, they created trail maps and added wayfinding signs marking scenic overlooks and swimming holes along the trail. The improved trail has a gentle grade, which allows people who use wheelchairs to roll all the way to the river's edge. This is something many trails can't offer since river access often involves a scramble down a steep bank. Organizers say the North Branch Cascades Trail has since inspired conversations about how to increase accessibility at other hiking routes in the region.

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.

Bangor, ME

AARP Community Challenge Grant Year: 2022

Project Category: Trails

Description: This project set out to improve the safety and functionality of the Kenduskeag Stream Trail. Volunteers worked to widen the trail, install ADA-compliant benches and improve wayfinding signage. Additionally, project organizers conducted a structural assessment of one of the trail's bridges.

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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