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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.
Thibodaux, LA
AARP Community Challenge Grant Year: 2022
Project Category: Trails
Description: To encourage residents and visitors to walk and bike, the City of Tampa installed benches and bicycle racks, both downtown and along the Menard Pedestrian Bike Trail.
Cascade, ID
AARP Community Challenge Grant Year: 2024
Project Category: Trails
Description: The city will add benches to a two-mile paved trail, improving accessibility for older adults who use it for walking, running, observing nature and socializing.
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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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