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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
West Rutland, VT
AARP Community Challenge Grant Year: 2018
Project Category: Trails
Description: Visitors walking to West Rutland's public recreation had to walk on the road alongside vehicle traffic. To help residents safety reach the 125-acre greenspace, the Town built a new multiuse trail. The pathway also links to a nearby residential area, giving people easy access to healthy outdoor activities. To accommodate people of all ages and abilities, the pathway has a flat, accessible surface. Project organizers have planned snowshoe tours along the path, as well as a 5K race. They say increased connectivity will give residents better access to physical exercise and draw more visitors to the recreation area. In the future, the Town hope to establish a link from West Rutland's recreation path to Rutland County's trail network.
Grafton, WV
AARP Community Challenge Grant Year: 2022
Project Category: Trails
Description: This project enhanced an unofficial walking trail by installing additional benches and directional signage to make it safer and more accessible for residents.
Bath, ME
AARP Community Challenge Grant Year: 2022
Project Category: Trails
Description: This project widened and stabilized the Whiskeag Trail. As additional trail improvements, it also widened bridges and added ramps installed ADA-compliant benches and updated the emergency system.
Nearby AARP Community Challenge Projects
Bridgewater, MA
AARP Community Challenge Grant Year: 2023
Project Category: Community Gardens
Description: The project will fund a garden and outdoor activity area designed for older adults. It will include ADA-compliant and wheelchair-accessible raised gardening beds, grilling stations and outdoor seating.
Randolph, MA
AARP Community Challenge Grant Year: 2024
Project Category: HomeFit Modifications
Description: This project will provide technology training for older adults living in affordable housing, with a focus on home tech solutions that allow individuals to safely age in place.
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