Bangor, Maine Print

Joined the AARP Age-Friendly Network:
7/19/2016

Lead Agency: Bangor Public Health and Community Services

Government Agency

Action Plan Download

An action plan is based on the results of community surveys identifying needs within the 8 Domains of Livability that influence the health and quality of life of older adults. While there is flexibility in how a plan is created and what it will do, every action plan includes a statement about what can be achieved, target dates for goal completion, identification of participating organizations and indicators to measure progress. The action plan is an "active" rather than static document. Revisions and amendments are a sign of program improvement and progress.

Action Plan Highlights

  1. Outdoor Spaces

    Incentivize winter sidewalk maintenance through a "golden shovel" program.

  2. Social Participation

    Assist older adults in connecting with resources and information on area activities by establishing a network of neighborhood ambassadors.

  3. Civic Participation and Employment

    Bring older adults into the workforce by promoting a program that offers permanent, paid positions to skilled volunteers.

Progress Report Download

Bangor's age-friendly progress report showcases the community's efforts to make public spaces more welcoming to older adults. The community hosted focus groups on age-friendly improvements to public spaces. This resulted in new benches at the local arena, improving accessibility onsite. Additionally, Bangor installed a FitLot, giving older adults a space to exercise outdoors. To support walkability in the winter, the community launched its Golden Shovel program, which incentivizes local businesses to shovel sidewalks in Downtown Bangor following snowstorms. Finally, the local age-friendly initiative hosted a volunteer fair to keep residents of all ages engaged in their community.

Nearby AARP Community Challenge Projects

Bangor Livable Communities Committee (2022)

Bangor, ME

AARP Community Challenge Grant Year: 2022

Project Category: Trails

Description: This project set out to improve the safety and functionality of the Kenduskeag Stream Trail. Volunteers worked to widen the trail, install ADA-compliant benches and improve wayfinding signage. Additionally, project organizers conducted a structural assessment of one of the trail's bridges.

Surry Neighbors Helping Neighbors (2024)

Surry, ME

AARP Community Challenge Grant Year: 2024

Project Category: Public space activation

Description: This project will create a notice board to display local town and emergency information at the local post office, a regular meeting space. This will specifically benefit older residents who are unable to access information online.

ABOUT THE AARP COMMUNITY CHALLENGE

Launched in 2017, the annual AARP Community Challenge provides small grants to local governments and nonprofits in order to fund quick-action, ready-to-implement projects that can help communities become more livable for people of all ages.

See all nearby projects

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Connect with your AARP State Office

AARP has offices in all 50 states as well as in the District of Columbia, Puerto Rico and the U.S. Virgin Islands.

AARP Maine State Office

53 Baxter Boulevard
Suite 202
Portland, ME 04101
United States

Phone: 866-554-5380
Fax: 207-775-5727
Email: [email protected]