See More Projects Like This One

Scarborough, ME

AARP Community Challenge Grant Year: 2023

Project Category: Trails

Description: This project will establish a network of walking paths to provide a safe place and programs for older adults to exercise and socialize outdoors in a community that lacks a walkable downtown.

Dryden, NY

AARP Community Challenge Grant Year: 2018

Project Category: Trails

Description: To encourage people to use the Dryden Rail Trail, the Town of Dryden set out to provide resting places and information along the trail. They installed seven benches and three kiosks along the 2.9-mile path, which connects the villages of Dryden and Freeville. The kiosks display maps, trail rules and more. Today, the Town Recreation Department offers intergenerational programming on the trail, including fitness walks, bike outings and community running events.

Portland, ME

AARP Community Challenge Grant Year: 2019

Project Category: Trails

Description: This project upgraded the Canco Woods trail, making it the first wheelchair-accessible forested trail in Portland. Volunteers widened the trail and smoothed and hardened its surface. They also replaced a narrow footbridge, installed two benches and added signs announcing the trail's accessibility. Inspiration for the project came after conversations with residents about low usage of local trails. These discussions focused on accessibility needs for people who used wheelchairs, walkers, canes and strollers. Now residents who had never visited the trail before are enjoying its pond, wetlands and pine groves.

Nearby AARP Community Challenge Projects

Ossipee, NH

AARP Community Challenge Grant Year: 2022

Project Category: Public space activation

Description: This project built a covered pavilion with benches to provide shade and a gathering place.

Ossipee, NH

AARP Community Challenge Grant Year: 2024

Project Category: Emergency preparedness skills

Description: This project will provide older residents with emergency preparedness demonstrations and backpacks filled with emergency essentials. The community has experienced an increase in ice storms, severe flooding and blizzards, requiring emergency evacuations.

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AARP Maine State Office

53 Baxter Boulevard
Suite 202
Portland, ME 04101
United States

Phone: 866-554-5380
Fax: 207-775-5727
Email: [email protected]