Presque Isle, Maine Print

Joined the AARP Age-Friendly Network:
5/4/2018

Lead Agency: Presque Isle Area Agency on Aging

Non-profit

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

    Improve safety downtown for pedestrians, bicycles, strollers and wheelchairs by repairing sidewalks and crosswalks.

  2. Civic Participation and Employment

    Increase access to information on local activities, and create a "social buddies" program to give older adults a companion for attending events.

  3. Transportation

    Improve local bus systems, based on suggestions from riders, to better serve older residents.

Progress Report Download

Completed in the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic, Presque Isle's report describes the town's efforts to improve its public spaces, connect residents to programming and services and give residents social opportunities. The town made several improvements to local parks, including constructing a new walking loop, installing wayfinding signage to help visitors navigate to parks and adding a new pocket park at a local museum. The local age-friendly initiative distributed refrigerator magnets to residents, which display information on available services. Additionally, they worked to provide online social and educational programming to keep residents engaged during the pandemic.

Nearby AARP Community Challenge Projects

Cary Medical Center with Age-Friendly Caribou (2023)

Caribou, ME

AARP Community Challenge Grant Year: 2023

Project Category: Addressing community health

Description: This project will create a digital toolkit to inform residents about elder abuse and engage them in its prevention, with the additional aim of sharing the toolkit with other Maine communities.

City of Presque Isle (2019)

Presque Isle, ME

AARP Community Challenge Grant Year: 2019

Project Category: Trails

Description: The Presque Isle Bike Walking Trail winds four miles through the heart of town. Working with the local hospital, the City constructed three new trail loops near the local community center, where users can find a water fountain, restrooms and concessions. They also added landscaping, a new bridge and two dedicated parking lots to provide easier access to the trail system. The new loops allow visitors to opt for shorter walks without having to backtrack to return to the trail entrance. Additionally, they provide a more direct connection to downtown, as well access to a playground, splash pad, athletic fields, public market and Riverside Park.

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]