Boligee, AL

AARP Community Challenge Grant Year: 2022

Project Category: Trails

Description: The rural town of Boligee lacked parks, walking trails and sidewalks. Recently, the Town purchased the former junior high school property and repurposed it into a recreation complex, which hosts classes and community events. To give residents an outdoor gathering space, this project created a new trail and garden onsite. Volunteers cleared a path for the trail and installed brick pavers. They also added raised flowerbeds and benches to give visitors a place to rest and socialize. Additionally, organizers installed a roof over an unused concrete slab, transforming it into a pavilion. The Town now invites older adults to tend to the flowerbeds. Organizers say they hope the trail and garden foster improved community health.

Hidden Springs, ID

AARP Community Challenge Grant Year: 2021

Project Category: Trails

Description: Hidden Springs has an extensive network of scenic trails along Dry Creek. But when the ground is wet during winter and spring, the trails become muddy, leading to erosion and sustainability issues. To allow people to use the trails year-round, the Hidden Springs Town Association created an all-weather path. Volunteers laid road mix along four miles of existing trails to connect main roads to the riparian areas, a community farm and agricultural fields. Today, the system welcomes hikers of all ages in all four seasons.

Chatham, VA

AARP Community Challenge Grant Year: 2026

Project Category: Trails

Description: Wayfinding signs and benches will be added along the town’s walking trail system. These improvements will make walking routes clearer and provide resting spots, helping older adults walk more comfortably and with greater confidence.