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Newport, VT
AARP Community Challenge Grant Year: 2019
Project Category: Trails
Description: Newport's downtown sits on the southern shore of Lake Memphremagog, which extends north to Canada. But because privately-owned businesses and homes cut off the Newport's downtown from the lake, public access to the water was limited. With its Look to the Lake initiative, the town hoped to reorient itself to take advantage of lake activities -- something town officials hoped would have economic development benefits. When a local business owner offered up his private land to create a pedestrian connector trail and boat docks, the City was able to develop the waterfront. Grant funding enabled construction of a much-needed bridge at the site. Since then, the City has acquired more waterfront land, allowing it to create new trails and connect existing ones. The City has also added a parklet at the Newport Waterfront Recreational Trail's trailhead. Today, Newport residents have access to a seven-mile lakefront corridor.
Three Forks, MT
AARP Community Challenge Grant Year: 2020
Project Category: Trails
Description: The City of Three Forks improved its Headwaters Trail system by installing benches and bike racks, as well as signage displaying trail directions and mileage. Project organizers placed the new benches at prime locations for viewing wildlife. The City also modified the pavement where trails cross local streets to make them easily passable for wheelchair users. These improvements helped bolster community support for the Jefferson Trail Loop -- a new trail within the Headwaters system.
New Orleans, LA
AARP Community Challenge Grant Year: 2017
Project Category: Trails
Description: Construction of an ADA-accessible footbridge and walking path connected a community FitLot to the Lafitte Greenway, an active rails-to-trails pedestrian path. Before, people had to jump across a muddy stretch of grass to reach the fitness park from the greenway. Since the City of New Orleans suffers from one of the largest health disparity gaps in the nation, project organizers also set up a no-cost fitness program taught by professional trainers. The classes attract local older adults. Every time I'm here they are very happy and motivated, trainer Natoya Wayne said. They interact with each other and encourage each other during the session, and that motivates me.
Nearby AARP Community Challenge Projects
St. Croix, VI
AARP Community Challenge Grant Year: 2021
Project Category: Trails
Description: Many trails on St. Croix were impassable after hurricane damage. As part of disaster recovery efforts, Virgin Islands Trail Alliance restored eight miles of rainforest trails. To do this, volunteers cut through foliage, cleared weeds, pulled up roots and raked up debris, allowing the trails to reopen. Additionally, they installed new signage, which help visitors navigate, communicate trail rules and identify tree species. The activation effort also involved installing picnic tables and benches along the path to give people a space to rest. To help visitors access the trails, volunteers cleared parking areas and installed bollards to prevent people from driving vehicles onto the trails. Volunteer workers included participants in a nonprofit program carpentry skills program. Since the restoration, project organizers say hikers and cyclists have returned to the trails.
Christiansted, VI
AARP Community Challenge Grant Year: 2025
Project Category: Public space activation
Description: This project will develop plans for an accessible green space at Sunday Market Square. This project aims to foster resilience, food security, and healthy aging by creating a welcoming environment for older adults and families.
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