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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
Blue Hill, ME
AARP Community Challenge Grant Year: 2018
Project Category: Trails
Description: This project set out to create age-friendly trails in Blue Hill. Efforts included constructing an accessible walking path and installing benches along it to give older adults and people with mobility challenges a place to rest. Part of the town's larger Connectivity Plan, organizers hoped the trails would encourage intergenerational activities and give residents opportunities for physical activity. The route runs through Blue Hill's downtown, allowing people to walk to local amenities and shops.
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.
Acton, ME
AARP Community Challenge Grant Year: 2023
Project Category: Trails
Description: Goat Hill's sweeping views were out of reach for many due to steep terrain and a lack of accessible trails. The Land Trust added cedar benches, signage and kiosks along the newly built trail. This made it easier for older adults and people with mobility challenges to enjoy the climb. Outreach events promoted the trail's inclusive design, and it's now featured in a forthcoming book on accessible trails. "It's a beautiful place for families of all physical abilities to explore and enjoy," said one visitor, underscoring its role in inspiring future projects.
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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