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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.
Carbondale, CO
AARP Community Challenge Grant Year: 2022
Project Category: Trails
Description: The local age-friendly initiative worked to plant a new garden along the Rio Grande Trail. The garden features drought-resistant pollinator plants. To give trail users of all ages and abilities a place to rest, volunteers also installed ADA-accessible under shade trees.
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.
Nearby AARP Community Challenge Projects
Milton, NH
AARP Community Challenge Grant Year: 2025
Project Category: Public or private transit access
Description: The Town of Milton set out to understand why sidewalks in its most connected area were difficult for older adults to navigate and how defects limited safe travel to nearby destinations. A walk audit allowed volunteers to document obstacles and share firsthand how uneven routes affected both younger and older participants. The findings produced detailed maps and a list of recommendations that will shape investment in curb ramps, crossings and sidewalks. The results will guide capital planning for years and help the town respond to long standing concerns about walkability. Volunteers said the audit made them more aware of how challenging the routes were and why safer paths matter.
Berwick, ME
AARP Community Challenge Grant Year: 2023
Project Category: Innovative home maintenance, repair and support services
Description: The town will create a Handy Helper Tool Collection to enable residents to try out tools for everyday activities and household chores. The displays will introduce residents to new products before they make purchases.
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