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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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See More Projects Like This One
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.
Carbondale, CO
AARP Community Challenge Grant Year: 2022
Project Category: Trails
Description: Benches along the Rio Grande Trail were often placed on uneven ground, leaving older adults and people with mobility challenges without safe resting spots. The initiative partnered with the town to install an ADA-compliant seating area on a cement pad with two benches arranged for conversation and plenty of space for wheelchairs. Shaded by trees and accented with native pollinator plants, the site offers a scenic view and a welcoming spot for social connection. This improvement encourages trail use and supports Carbondale's age-friendly vision.
Project description was created using generative AI and then reviewed for accuracy.
Scarborough, ME
AARP Community Challenge Grant Year: 2023
Project Category: Trails
Description: Scarborough lacked a safe, walkable space where older adults could exercise and connect. To make its municipal campus more inviting, the library installed five benches along the Green Trail, including one with wheelchair access. They also added plaques with QR codes linking to an interactive map and walking group details. A new webpage highlights eco-friendly features and schedules for group walks. These upgrades have encouraged residents to join walks, rest comfortably and socialize. This has sparked community interest in volunteer-led programs and plans for additional benches.
Project description was created using generative AI and then reviewed for accuracy.
Nearby AARP Community Challenge Projects
Rutland, VT
AARP Community Challenge Grant Year: 2025
Project Category: Bike Audits
Description: Vermont Adaptive Ski & Sports addressed barriers that limited older adults and adaptive riders from using wooded trail systems where path width and design often made three wheel bikes difficult to navigate. In a state with a large older adult population, trail managers lacked clear assessments of whether existing routes could safely support these riders. The project conducted adaptive bike assessments across three trail systems, supported by GPS photos shared with land managers. The work increased awareness of how trail design affects access for older adults and adaptive riders. Some trail systems began making upgrades based on the findings. A project lead said the effort reinforced that everyone deserves the opportunity to recreate outdoors.
Project description was created using generative AI and then reviewed for accuracy.
Poultney, VT
AARP Community Challenge Grant Year: 2025
Project Category: Improved wayfinding
Description: This project in support of the Poultney River Loop will enable the creation of new maps, kiosks, wayfinding posts and blazes to enhance navigability. These improvements aim to create a safer and more inclusive trail experience.
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