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.

Bangor, ME

AARP Community Challenge Grant Year: 2022

Project Category: Trails

Description: Residents identified safety and accessibility issues along the Kenduskeag Stream Trail, where overgrown vegetation and poor signage made walking difficult for older adults. The project installed benches, improved parking lot lighting and added a solar-powered pedestrian crosswalk system to enhance visibility and safety. These upgrades encouraged more trail use and social interaction. "Having benches makes the trail more active, which also added to her feeling more safe taking a walk alone," said one resident. The city now plans additional improvements, including interpretive signage and grading work.

Project description was created using generative AI and then reviewed for accuracy.

Sheridan, WY

AARP Community Challenge Grant Year: 2019

Project Category: Trails

Description: The North Main Association wanted to create a picnic area for Malcolm Wallop Trails, formerly known as North Park. To make the area accessible for people with mobility issues, the organization installed an ADA-compliant picnic table with and umbrella. In addition, they placed seven benches along the trails to allow people to rest during their walk or pause to observe deer, birds, squirrels and other wildlife. These improvements spurred the City of Sheridan to improve a parking area near the picnic table and install a sidewalk from the parking lot to the trails. The City also added a new trail to the site in 2021. Since the improvements, project organizers report an increase in visitors to Malcolm Wallop Trails.