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Three Rivers Land Trust (2023) Print
2023 AARP Community Challenge Grantee
Project Category
Transportation
└ Trails
└ Trails
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.
Project description was created using generative AI and then reviewed for accuracy.
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See More Projects Like This One
Glidden, IA
AARP Community Challenge Grant Year: 2019
Project Category: Trails
Description: Glidden's Northland Park features a mile-long trail system that winds through natural grasslands, a butterfly garden, picnic areas and more. But the park sits across a major roadway from another popular site -- the city's aquatic center. To improve connectivity, City officials set out to create a way to walk from one to the other. They installed more than 600 square feet of additional sidewalk and created a crosswalk across Highway 30, complete with flashing crossing signs to alert drivers of pedestrians.
Bath, ME
AARP Community Challenge Grant Year: 2022
Project Category: Trails
Description: The Whiskeag Trail needed upgrades to serve older adults and reduce barriers for low-income residents. Volunteers widened two miles of trail, installed six ADA-compliant benches and built eight ramped boardwalk bridges. These improvements increased accessibility and sparked plans for universal design upgrades on other sections. One organizer noted that after a conversation with a local older adult, the volunteers added an additional bench to further improve trail walkability.
Cascade, ID
AARP Community Challenge Grant Year: 2020
Project Category: Trails
Description: A half-mile section of Cascade's popular Strand Trail was muddy, icy or snowy much of the year. To make it accessible year-round, the City of Cascade leveled and paved the trail's surface. Project organizers also added three new benches and wayfinding signage. The improved trail segment connects two branches of the Strand Trail, which meanders for two miles along the Payette River and offers visitors stunning views of nearby mountains and bird watching and fishing opportunities. Additionally, it extends access to a visitor's center and to Kelly's Whitewater Park, a nonprofit facility serving whitewater rafters, kayakers and paddle boarders. The City is planning to pave another trail section in the future.
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Milton, NH
AARP Community Challenge Grant Year: 2025
Project Category: Public or private transit access
Description: This project will conduct a walk audit of 2.75 miles of sidewalks to identify challenges and obstacles. Volunteers will help collect data to improve safety and walkability. The findings will inform the ADA Transition Plan.
Berwick, ME
AARP Community Challenge Grant Year: 2023
Project Category: Innovative home maintenance, repair and support services
Description: Older residents in Berwick faced challenges staying independent without access to adaptive tools. The committee launched a Handy Helper Tool Collection with more than 55 items-such as jar openers, grab bars and ergonomic garden tools-available for borrowing at the library. A shelving unit and wheeled bag allowed volunteers to bring the collection to farmers markets and town events. One visitor said that she would look into starting a similar program in her town. The program helps residents remain in their homes longer and raises awareness of practical solutions for aging in place.
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