Bucksport, Maine Print

Joined the AARP Age-Friendly Network:
6/24/2016

Lead Agency: Bucksport Community Health Advisory Committee

Age-Friendly Taskforce/Advisory Council/Commission

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

    Increase pedestrian downtown safety by incentivizing businesses to clear snow from sidewalks, installing accessible hand railings, automatic door openers, ramps, renovating public bathroom areas to include mobility safety supports, and increasing handicap parking spaces along Main Street.

  2. Transportation

    Create weekly shuttle bus services and $1 taxis for older adults and residents with disabilities, along with shuttle bus services to community festivals and events.

  3. Housing

    Establish supportive apartments and assisted living programs for older adults and adults living with disabilities, along with a window dresser program to install panels in apartment complex units occupied by older adults.

Progress Report Download

Completed in the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic, Bucksport's progress report focused on the community's efforts to ensure residents had access to food, health care and other essential needs. The town coordinated vaccination clinics and coordinated food assistance for older adults. Additionally, Bucksport provided financial assistance to struggling local businesses, funded emergency shelter services and ran a technology program to help older adults access the internet for telehealth and other needs. A collaboration with the local fire department resulted in weekly check-in calls to older adults, as well as an effort to promote fire safety in apartment complexes.

Nearby AARP Community Challenge Projects

Bangor Livable Communities Committee (2022)

Bangor, ME

AARP Community Challenge Grant Year: 2022

Project Category: Trails

Description: Residents identified safety and accessibility issues along the Kenduskeag Stream Trail, where overgrown vegetation and poor signage made walking difficult for older adults. The project installed benches, improved parking lot lighting and added a solar-powered pedestrian crosswalk system to enhance visibility and safety. These upgrades encouraged more trail use and social interaction. "Having benches makes the trail more active, which also added to her feeling more safe taking a walk alone," said one resident. The city now plans additional improvements, including interpretive signage and grading work.

Surry Neighbors Helping Neighbors (2024)

Surry, ME

AARP Community Challenge Grant Year: 2024

Project Category: Public space activation

Description: Older residents without internet access were missing vital town notices after the Post Office banned postings. To restore communication, the group built a kiosk beside the Post Office with three corkboard panels for official notices and social events, plus vibrant artwork to draw attention. Plans include a Little Free Library and seasonal plantings. The kiosk now serves as a central hub for information, helping older adults stay connected. Residents praised the improvement, and volunteers will maintain it year-round.

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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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]