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Town of Bedford (2019) Print
2019 AARP Community Challenge Grantee
Project Category
Transportation
└ Trails
└ Trails
The Town of Bedford installed benches, bike racks, signage and trash cans along walking and bike routes, including a path known locally as the Loop, as well as two newer paths. The Town created a map to display in kiosks, which show three different options for walking the paths. Public art was a focus of this project -- the benches and racks were designed by local artists and a local metal fabrication company built them. To include residents in the planning process, the Town held a Design the Sign workshop, where attendees suggested their ideas for sign graphics. An artist then incorporated those suggestions in the final design. Project organizers say improvements to the Loop have brought awareness for the Town's efforts to revitalize the Bridge Street area.
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See More Projects Like This One
Poplar Bluff, MO
AARP Community Challenge Grant Year: 2023
Project Category: Trails
Description: Poplar Bluff lacked a safe, continuous route connecting city neighborhoods to the Wolf Creek Trail, limiting mobility for older adults who rely on trails for recreation and access to services. The project built a 1.8-mile ADA-accessible concrete connector and installed an ADA bench, linking the city's trail system to 21 miles of forest paths. This permanent improvement opens year-round access to nature and supports physical and mental well-being. Early counts show more than 1,000 users, and the trail has spurred community events and investment. One resident said, "There isn't a day that goes by that I don't see people on that trail."
Detroit, MI
AARP Community Challenge Grant Year: 2024
Project Category: Trails
Description: Unkept and unsafe streets left East Canfield Village residents, especially older adults, with few options for exercise or social connection. Canfield Consortium cleared vacant lots, planted trees, installed benches and added wayfinding signage. This created a pilot trail that links homes to parks and stores. The improvements boosted safety and encouraged outdoor activity. As one resident said, "The path gives us seniors a safe and beautiful way to stay active, connect with our neighbors and enjoy the outdoors."
Jackson, MS
AARP Community Challenge Grant Year: 2021
Project Category: Trails
Description: The City of Jackson is working to develop the Museum Trail -- a four-mile, multi-use path designed to improve community health and wellness, connect areas of interest within the community and promote active transportation. Building on this work, the Jackson Heart Foundation improved wayfinding along the corridor by installed railhead and mile markers. Organizers say the signage helps visitors understand where the trail begins and ends and provides them with information about ongoing work to improve the path. Volunteers also created a mural at the trail's entrance. And to promote the trail, project organizers launched a new website and offered branded tote bags for donors.
Nearby AARP Community Challenge Projects
Roanoke, VA
AARP Community Challenge Grant Year: 2018
Project Category: Community Gardens
Description: To combat food insecurity, improve neighborhood safety and encourage residents to spend time outdoors, this project enhanced an existing community garden. Over several community work days volunteers installed raised beds, benches, a picnic table and portable toilet facilities. Organizers hope the improvements make the garden more accessible to people of all ages -- including older adults living in nearby apartment complexes.
Roanoke, VA
AARP Community Challenge Grant Year: 2023
Project Category: Housing Choice Design Competitions
Description: Facing an aging population and rising housing costs, Roanoke updated zoning to allow accessory dwelling units but needed to build awareness. The city partnered with AIA Blue Ridge for a design competition that produced four pre-approved ADU plans, an online design book and a resource website. Workshops and an awards event showcased universal design and aging-in-place strategies. Residents are now exploring ADU construction using these plans, a shift expected to add new units each year and help older adults stay in their neighborhoods.
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