Belleville, NJ

AARP Community Challenge Grant Year: 2022

Project Category: Trails

Description: This project installed a new walking trail to connect two streets previously divided by an oddly placed fence. Along the path, the town planted one garden honoring COVID-19 victims and another containing produce the public is welcome to pick.

St. Croix, VI

AARP Community Challenge Grant Year: 2021

Project Category: Trails

Description: Many trails on St. Croix were impassable after hurricane damage. As part of disaster recovery efforts, Virgin Islands Trail Alliance restored eight miles of rainforest trails. To do this, volunteers cut through foliage, cleared weeds, pulled up roots and raked up debris, allowing the trails to reopen. Additionally, they installed new signage, which help visitors navigate, communicate trail rules and identify tree species. The activation effort also involved installing picnic tables and benches along the path to give people a space to rest. To help visitors access the trails, volunteers cleared parking areas and installed bollards to prevent people from driving vehicles onto the trails. Volunteer workers included participants in a nonprofit program carpentry skills program. Since the restoration, project organizers say hikers and cyclists have returned to the trails.

Rossville, KS

AARP Community Challenge Grant Year: 2023

Project Category: Trails

Description: This project will create a multipurpose trail to enable safe outdoor exercise and allow older adults to gain the health benefits of walking and biking.