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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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Scarborough, ME
AARP Community Challenge Grant Year: 2023
Project Category: Trails
Description: This project will establish a network of walking paths to provide a safe place and programs for older adults to exercise and socialize outdoors in a community that lacks a walkable downtown.
Searsmont, ME
AARP Community Challenge Grant Year: 2022
Project Category: Trails
Description: This project created new seating, trailhead kiosks with information about the area and new accessible parking spots at an existing riverfront trail.
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.
Nearby AARP Community Challenge Projects
Rutland, VT
AARP Community Challenge Grant Year: 2025
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Description: The project will conduct bike audits throughout Vermont. Older volunteers will assess the safety, accessibility, and usability of bike paths. At least three audits will be conducted.
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AARP Community Challenge Grant Year: 2025
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