See More Projects Like This One

Sullivan, ME

AARP Community Challenge Grant Year: 2021

Project Category: Trails

Description: Sullivan has a network of hiking trials but lacked options for people with mobility challenges. To give residents of all ages and abilities a place to walk, Age-Friendly Sullivan installed an accessible walking trail at the Sorrento-Sullivan Recreation Center. First, volunteers worked to prepare an underused area on the rec center's property, creating drainage culverts and mowing grass. Then they spread crushed gravel to create a hard, flat trail surface. Before, the recreation center offered several amenities aimed at children and youth, including a playground, basketball courts and a skate park. The trail represents an offering people of all ages -- including older adults -- can use. Since creating the trail, the age-friendly initiative has worked with partners to add benches, fitness equipment and a story walk along the route.

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.

Tampa, FL

AARP Community Challenge Grant Year: 2022

Project Category: Trails

Description: This project constructed a pathway which connects and important commercial corridor, an apartment complex for older adults and a walking loop in Takomah Trail Park.

Nearby AARP Community Challenge Projects

Bethel, VT

AARP Community Challenge Grant Year: 2018

Project Category: Trails

Description: Many amenities in Bethel are only accessible by car. To encourage active transportation instead, the Town created a path for walking, biking and cross-country skiing. The multiuse trail runs from the town's elementary school to the town's new outdoor recreation area. Organizers hope the new path helps residents reach several upgraded recreational facilities nearby, including a new pool house and skate park. Spurred by the pathway's popularity, the Town is exploring ways to construct connector pathways to expand the trail network. By encouraging people to walk, organizers say the multiuse path will support Bethels economy, connecting pedestrians to local businesses.

Randolph, VT

AARP Community Challenge Grant Year: 2020

Project Category: Park enhancements

Description: To give residents the opportunity to express themselves and connect with each other, Sunrise Rotary Club installed outdoor musical instruments near the town's recreational field. The new Harmony Park features chimes, drums, a xylophone, Imbarimbas and a harp. The Club also added benches to the space, along with a welcome sign informing visitors about the instruments.

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