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Old Colony YMCA (2018) Print
2018 AARP Community Challenge Grantee
Project Category
Transportation
└ Trails
└ Trails
Healthy East Bridgewater -- a community coalition convened by the Old Colony YMCA -- sought to improve connectivity and accessibility along the Hiking Viking Trail. Established in 2015, the trail features a 5-mile walking loop linking Bridgewater's town hall to the YMCA and other locations. Project organizers installed five new benches along the pathway, added signage to help people find their way and installed boardwalks to level out a portion of the walkway. To welcome visitors, they then hosted an October Pumpkin Walk, which drew about 400 participants. Since completing the improvements, organizers say they've seen increased community interest in the trail and its amenities.
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See More Projects Like This One
Sullivan, ME
AARP Community Challenge Grant Year: 2021
Project Category: Trails
Description: Sullivan has a network of hiking trials but lacked options for people with mobility challenges. To give residents of all ages and abilities a place to walk, Age-Friendly Sullivan installed an accessible walking trail at the Sorrento-Sullivan Recreation Center. First, volunteers worked to prepare an underused area on the rec center's property, creating drainage culverts and mowing grass. Then they spread crushed gravel to create a hard, flat trail surface. Before, the recreation center offered several amenities aimed at children and youth, including a playground, basketball courts and a skate park. The trail represents an offering people of all ages -- including older adults -- can use. Since creating the trail, the age-friendly initiative has worked with partners to add benches, fitness equipment and a story walk along the route.
Napoleon, ND
AARP Community Challenge Grant Year: 2024
Project Category: Trails
Description: The city will add signage and benches along a planned walking and bike trail. The trail will run by a new nursing home, enabling residents with mobility challenges and other disabilities to enjoy nature.
Searsmont, ME
AARP Community Challenge Grant Year: 2022
Project Category: Trails
Description: Waldo County lacked accessible outdoor spaces, leaving many older adults isolated and inactive. The Gibson Wellness Walk converted 0.4 miles of riverfront into an ADA-compliant trail with a stable surface, five rest areas, accessible parking and interpretive kiosks. The trail now offers safe recreation for residents of all ages and will be maintained permanently. Community enthusiasm has prompted plans for another accessible trail. One person noted that since the trail went in, he has noticed many more people using it, including those on wheelchairs, crutches and with baby strollers.
Project description was created using generative AI and then reviewed for accuracy.
Nearby AARP Community Challenge Projects
Bridgewater, MA
AARP Community Challenge Grant Year: 2023
Project Category: Community Gardens
Description: After the pandemic heightened isolation, the town lacked an accessible outdoor space for older adults to gather and garden. The Senior Center installed ADA-compliant raised beds and developed a master plan to organize the area, informed by listening sessions with residents and local leaders. The project is paving the way for intergenerational gardening programs and a Garden Club, aiming to reduce loneliness and foster inclusion while creating a vibrant community hub.
Project description was created using generative AI and then reviewed for accuracy.
Taunton, MA
AARP Community Challenge Grant Year: 2023
Project Category: Walkability
Description: The project addressed the lack of a safe walking route in downtown Taunton, a barrier for older adults seeking fitness and recreation. To address this, the Foundation completed walk audits and gathered public input to design a three-mile trail through the business district. Plans include signage, maps and creative features like Rock Snakes to spark engagement. Improvements identified during audits will make the area more walkable, creating a destination that encourages residents of all ages to stay active.
Project description was created using generative AI and then reviewed for accuracy.
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