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Dunellen, NJ
AARP Community Challenge Grant Year: 2019
Project Category: Trails
Description: To make the half-mile trail in Columbia Park more accessible, the Borough of Dunellen installed 12 ADA-compliant benches. Volunteers added mulch around each bench and planted trees, shrubs and pollinator-friendly vegetation, with plaques identifying each plant. They also painted a footbridge connecting the part to a residential neighborhood. The project engaged Dunellen's mayor and Borough Council, along with the Dunellen Shade Tree Commission, the parks and recreation and public works departments, the Dunellen Arts and Culture Commission, the Dunellen Senior Club, the local football team and the Dunellen Municipal Alliance. Since installation, the Borough has seen a 44 percent uptick in trails users, as well as a 50 percent increase in older adults visiting the trail.
Tampa, FL
AARP Community Challenge Grant Year: 2022
Project Category: Trails
Description: Disconnected sidewalks and a "crosswalk to nowhere" kept older adults at Mary Walker Senior Apartments from safely reaching Takomah Trail Park. The city fixed the crosswalk, added ADA-compliant sidewalks and built a new walkway linking the park loop to the apartments. At the ribbon-cutting, one resident said, "The walkway at Takomah Trail Park is great... I can enjoy these safety improvements," underscoring how the project promotes health and independence through safe, accessible paths.
Project description was created using generative AI and then reviewed for accuracy.
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.
Nearby AARP Community Challenge Projects
Cortland, NY
AARP Community Challenge Grant Year: 2024
Project Category: HomeFit Modifications
Description: Older adults faced safety risks at home and lacked affordable options for modifications. The project delivered home safety training and distributed low-cost products, while public presentations raised awareness and encouraged practical steps. Staff guided participants on using grab bars and other aids, and outreach sparked interest in borrowing equipment from the organization's loan closet. One attendee even opened his home for volunteer-led improvements, showing how education can lead to action and safer living.
Project description was created using generative AI and then reviewed for accuracy.
Ithaca, NY
AARP Community Challenge Grant Year: 2025
Project Category: Disaster Preparedness
Description: Many older adults lacked clear guidance on how to prepare for emergencies. Love Living at Home offered six trainings in community sites and online, reaching nearly 300 people with step-by-step instruction and materials like checklists and backpacks. Participants later installed alarms, purchased extinguishers and organized emergency kits. The program strengthened ties with county partners and increased awareness of future trainings. One attendee said the presentations were "very informative and helpful...thank you for making this very important training available!"
Project description was created using generative AI and then reviewed for accuracy.
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