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Medicine Lodge, KS

AARP Community Challenge Grant Year: 2022

Project Category: Trails

Description: This project built a paved path at the Five Tribes Outdoor Museum Trail, connecting the parking area to trail features.

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.

Christiansted, VI

AARP Community Challenge Grant Year: 2019

Project Category: Trails

Description: The Virgin Islands Trail Alliance and its partners installed the island's first permanent bike path, which extends through Christiansted, an historic town dating back to the 1760s. The Alliance included benches, tables and bike racks along the trail. Work also included applying road stenciling, installing reflectors, markers and lane delineators, planting trees, spreading topsoil and mulch and erecting a historical marker sign. The trail improvements come after a 2017 Walkability Report identified a lack of investment in pedestrian infrastructure in the Virgin Islands. Project organizers say they hope the success of this project highlights the importance of walkability in the Territory. The Alliance is a nonprofit based in St. Croix that aims to create multi-use pathways across the Virgin Islands.

Nearby AARP Community Challenge Projects

Memphis, TN

AARP Community Challenge Grant Year: 2018

Project Category: Roadway/sidewalks/crosswalk improvement

Description: The City of Memphis hoped to encourage residents of the Crosstown neighborhood to walk. They replaced and repaired sidewalks at the Lewis Center, the local senior center. To encourage people to use a new urban walking trail, the City also installed signage directing people to the path. A designated rest stop along the trail includes benches and planters, giving walkers a place to stretch, rest and socialize. Future plans include upgrades to crosswalks at the neighborhood senior center, as well as accessibility improvements at other public facilities and outdoor spaces. The Lewis Center also hopes to convene walking groups, giving older adults the opportunity to exercise in a social setting.

Memphis, TN

AARP Community Challenge Grant Year: 2024

Project Category: Entrepreneurship and improved economic resilience

Description: This project will provide free personal will and estate planning services to older adults unable to afford private attorneys. The goal is to ensure participants' homes and assets are passed down to the intended recipients.

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