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Vision Hallowell (2020) Print
2020 AARP Community Challenge Grantee
Project Category
Public places
└ Accessibility of amenities
└ Accessibility of amenities
An ADA-accessible ramp now spans the steep bank separating Granite City Park's parking lot from Hallowell's popular waterfront boardwalk and boat ramp. Vision Hallowell and the Hallowell All Age-Friendly Committee designed the 24-foot aluminum ramp to be installed seasonally, for use in the spring, summer and fall months. It joins several municipal ramps and docks that give residents access to the Kennebec River. While Hallowell has no town square, the waterfront fills this role. Thanks to the new ramp, older adults, those with mobility challenges and parents pushing baby strollers are now able to access the city's waterfront bulkhead, a center of activity featuring dozens of colorful Adirondack chairs.
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Rio Arriba County, NM
AARP Community Challenge Grant Year: 2021
Project Category: Accessibility of amenities
Description: Many residents in Vallecitos live without high-speed internet or even cellphone service. Because of these coverage gaps, the Vallecitos Library and Community Center is one of the only places people can get online to access community services and socialize with their neighbors. To make the facility more accessible for people of all ages, the library built a covered walkway and footbridge that connects from the parking lot into the building. This project installed metal panels and support posts, which allow the walkway to withstand high winds, provide shade from the sun and shield residents from rain.
Valley City, ND
AARP Community Challenge Grant Year: 2024
Project Category: Accessibility of amenities
Description: The museum will replace outdated audiovisual equipment with a new screen, speakers and microphone. This will make the space accessible for older adults who have experienced difficulty hearing and viewing presentations.
Fremont, NH
AARP Community Challenge Grant Year: 2020
Project Category: Accessibility of amenities
Description: To make Memorial Park more accessible for older adults and residents with disabilities, the Town of Fremont built a ramp from the park's parking lot to the playing fields. Previously, visitors had to navigate a steep dirt path to reach the ballfields. A local Eagle Scout candidate led the project. After the COVID-19 pandemic took hold in 2020, the Town moved many indoor events to Memorial Park's ballfields, so people could attend safely in the open air and practice the social distancing.
Nearby AARP Community Challenge Projects
Hallowell, ME
AARP Community Challenge Grant Year: 2024
Project Category: Park enhancements
Description: This project will increase accessibility in a local park by adding a smooth path and replacing outdated picnic tables. The organization will also install two bike racks onsite.
Gardiner, ME
AARP Community Challenge Grant Year: 2018
Project Category: Roadway/sidewalks/crosswalk improvement
Description: The City of Gardiner hoped to improve accessibility by replacing crumbling sidewalks at the Gardiner Public Library -- and they wanted to ensure the community had a voice in the process. They put together a table display at the library, which featured photos of existing sidewalk issues, as well as examples of alternative sidewalk designs. They then invited library visitors to fill out a short survey with their design suggestions. Additionally, they consulted local older adult groups and held an event at the library. Based on community feedback, they installed 100 feet of new concrete sidewalk with a brick border. Organizers say community engagement resulted in larger conversations about accessibility and walkability throughout Gardiner, resulting in upgrades in a local park.
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