Madison, Maine Print

Joined the AARP Age-Friendly Network:
12/15/2017

Lead Agency: Town of Madison

Government Agency

Action Plan Download

Madison developed its action plan in partnership with a number of rural community neighbors along the Kennebec River. The plan commits the town to establishing a home repair network for aging adults who wish to remain in their homes, and adds transportation options for residents traveling to surrounding communities. The plan also looks to develop opportunities for meaningful community connections across generational and socioeconomic lines, and to maximize the safety and use of Madison's outdoor spaces and buildings.

Action Plan Highlights

  1. Housing

    Establish a home repair network to help residents meet home needs.

  2. Transportation

    Meet residents' local transportation needs through a volunteer driver brigade.

Progress Report Download

Madison's age-friendly progress report describes initiatives related to housing, public spaces and social inclusion. Developers have recently added multifamily units to Madison's housing inventory, with options tailored to older adults looking to downsize. The town also maintains a multiuse trail system, with plans to create more pathways on a recently donated property. To build intergenerational relationships, the town engaged local students to help older adults keep up with leaf raking, and Madison hosted a Thanksgiving dinner for elders and high schoolers. A website, social media and local access television programming help inform residents about these opportunities, as well as other resources and information.

Nearby AARP Community Challenge Projects

Age-Friendly Chelsea (2023)

Chelsea, ME

AARP Community Challenge Grant Year: 2023

Project Category: Community Gardens

Description: This project will create an intergenerational, accessible community garden at an elementary school, with eight raised beds and an accessible bench, as well as signs and decorative artwork created by the students.

Age-Friendly Readfield with Town of Readfield (2018)

Readfield, ME

AARP Community Challenge Grant Year: 2018

Project Category: Public space activation

Description: Readfield's Age-Friendly Committee set out to enhance the town's public spaces and draw the community together. They purchased outdoor furniture to activate two spaces -- one outside the local public library and the other at Readfield Beach on Maranacook Lake. The beach's moveable Adirondack chairs give visitors a change to interact with each other. Additionally, the tables and chairs at the library allow residents to access free Wi-Fi service, even when the library building is closed. Library visitors of all wages can also rest there after enjoying the nearby story walk.

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]