Westbrook, ME

AARP Community Challenge Grant Year: 2026

Project Category: Public space activation

Description: Movable seating, outdoor games and small upgrades will be added to underused public spaces downtown. These changes will support longer visits, social gatherings and everyday use while connecting people to nearby shops and events.

Portland, ME

AARP Community Challenge Grant Year: 2022

Project Category: Entrepreneurship and improved economic resilience

Description: Portland's historic downtown, with its brick sidewalks and preserved buildings, long limited access for older adults and residents with mobility challenges. Age-Friendly Portland's "Ramp Up for Accessibility" initiative provided portable ramps and wireless doorbells to 15 businesses, allowing patrons to enter or request help without altering protected structures. Participation in the city's Age-Friendly Business Program grew 40% as more shops displayed decals signaling their commitment to inclusion. At Mechanics' Hall, a new ramp now welcomes visitors to one of Portland's oldest cultural sites-proof that accessibility and preservation can thrive together, creating lasting visibility for a more inclusive downtown.

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