Maplewood, NJ

AARP Community Challenge Grant Year: 2024

Project Category: Trails

Description: Park visitors, including many older adults, once had to walk on grass or a busy road to reach playgrounds and ballfields, creating safety concerns. The project installed a 560-foot asphalt path to complete the park's interior loop, restored a historic entryway and planted dawn redwoods for future shade. Volunteers added shrubs and perennials during a community planting day, strengthening community pride. The path quickly became a well-used asset, giving older adults safer access and space for exercise. One frequent parkgoer said, "It looks like it's always been there, because it should have been!"

Project description was created using generative AI and then reviewed for accuracy.

Garwood, NJ

AARP Community Challenge Grant Year: 2026

Project Category: Public or private transit access

Description: The borough will build ADA-compliant sidewalks and ramps along a busy street leading to the sports and recreation complex. These improvements will give residents safer access to events and activities while reducing the need to walk in traffic.