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North End Wellness Coalition (2020) Print
2020 AARP Community Challenge Grantee
Project Category
Transportation
└ Trails
└ Trails
To encourage residents to walk and socialize, the North End Wellness Coalition installed seven benches along the North Quarter Pathways, an urban walking trail in Grand Rapids' Creston neighborhood. The ADA-compliant seating is designed to accommodate residents with limited mobility. To promote walking on the Pathways' five trail loops, the Coalition also founded an Active Living Team, which is working to plan community events and programming. Project organizers say working with City staff to install the benches laid the ground for other improvements throughout Grand Rapids, including upgrades to local parks and new scooter and bike racks.
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East Hartford, CT
AARP Community Challenge Grant Year: 2019
Project Category: Trails
Description: To improve its South Meadows Greenway trail network, Goodwin University created a wheelchair accessible picnic area. The University installed four picnic tables with seating in a location overlooking the Connecticut River. In collaboration with the East Hartford Senior Center, university officials then hosted trail walks with the goal of increasing healthy outdoor recreation for residents of the largely industrial City of East Hartford. Goodwin's campus is located on a former EPA-designated brownfield site, which the school cleaned up. Through its improvements to trails, the university hopes to improve livability in East Hartford.
Detroit, MI
AARP Community Challenge Grant Year: 2024
Project Category: Trails
Description: Unkept and unsafe streets left East Canfield Village residents, especially older adults, with few options for exercise or social connection. Canfield Consortium cleared vacant lots, planted trees, installed benches and added wayfinding signage. This created a pilot trail that links homes to parks and stores. The improvements boosted safety and encouraged outdoor activity. As one resident said, "The path gives us seniors a safe and beautiful way to stay active, connect with our neighbors and enjoy the outdoors."
Project description was created using generative AI and then reviewed for accuracy.
Unionville, CT
AARP Community Challenge Grant Year: 2022
Project Category: Trails
Description: Farmington improved trail connectivity to Unionville Center, where shops and services were hidden from view. The town installed wayfinding signs, benches, a bike rack and an informational kiosk with a QR code linking to maps and historical tours. Volunteers taught older adults to use the technology, fostering inclusion and engagement. The upgrades encourage walking and biking, boost local businesses and provide resting spots. Residents praised the changes for making trails safer and more inviting for all abilities.
Project description was created using generative AI and then reviewed for accuracy.
Nearby AARP Community Challenge Projects
Grand Rapids, MI
AARP Community Challenge Grant Year: 2023
Project Category: Community Gardens
Description: Long Michigan winters left older adults at Reflections Apartments isolated and unable to garden, a key source of connection and activity. Dwelling Place built an ADA-compliant greenhouse through five volunteer events, engaging many community members and local partners. The space extends the growing season and supports a seed-starting program led by residents. Older adults now plan to grow culturally relevant vegetables and share stories tied to gardening traditions, turning the greenhouse into a year-round hub for wellness and social connection.
Project description was created using generative AI and then reviewed for accuracy.
Grand Rapids, MI
AARP Community Challenge Grant Year: 2024
Project Category: Public space activation
Description: Faded sidewalk art along Plainfield Avenue made the corridor less inviting and harder to navigate, especially for older adults. To restore visibility and improve walkability, the group revitalized nearly one mile of sidewalks with new designs featuring wayfinding elements. Three volunteer painting days engaged residents of all ages, using adaptive tools so everyone could participate. The refreshed sidewalks now guide pedestrians to shops and public spaces, while the collaborative process strengthened intergenerational ties and sparked a sense of ownership that supports future placemaking efforts.
Project description was created using generative AI and then reviewed for accuracy.
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