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Town of West Rutland (2018) Print
2018 AARP Community Challenge Grantee
Project Category
Transportation
└ Trails
└ Trails
Visitors walking to West Rutland's public recreation had to walk on the road alongside vehicle traffic. To help residents safety reach the 125-acre greenspace, the Town built a new multiuse trail. The pathway also links to a nearby residential area, giving people easy access to healthy outdoor activities. To accommodate people of all ages and abilities, the pathway has a flat, accessible surface. Project organizers have planned snowshoe tours along the path, as well as a 5K race. They say increased connectivity will give residents better access to physical exercise and draw more visitors to the recreation area. In the future, the Town hope to establish a link from West Rutland's recreation path to Rutland County's trail network.
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Carbondale, CO
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Project Category: Trails
Description: The local age-friendly initiative worked to plant a new garden along the Rio Grande Trail. The garden features drought-resistant pollinator plants. To give trail users of all ages and abilities a place to rest, volunteers also installed ADA-accessible under shade trees.
Acton, ME
AARP Community Challenge Grant Year: 2023
Project Category: Trails
Description: This project will install accessible benches and parking guidance to make it easier for older adults and people with mobility challenges to enjoy the Goat Hill Trail.
East Bridgewater, MA
AARP Community Challenge Grant Year: 2018
Project Category: Trails
Description: Healthy East Bridgewater -- a community coalition convened by the Old Colony YMCA -- sought to improve connectivity and accessibility along the Hiking Viking Trail. Established in 2015, the trail features a 5-mile walking loop linking Bridgewater's town hall to the YMCA and other locations. Project organizers installed five new benches along the pathway, added signage to help people find their way and installed boardwalks to level out a portion of the walkway. To welcome visitors, they then hosted an October Pumpkin Walk, which drew about 400 participants. Since completing the improvements, organizers say they've seen increased community interest in the trail and its amenities.
Nearby AARP Community Challenge Projects
Rutland, VT
AARP Community Challenge Grant Year: 2025
Project Category: Bike Audits
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AARP Community Challenge Grant Year: 2025
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