Grants promote livable communities

Five Granite State organizations are receiving 2021 Community Challenge grants from AARP New Hampshire to implement quick-action projects to promote livable communities.

Nationwide, AARP is granting $3.2 million to 244 organizations – part of the largest group of grantees to date.

Across the country, projects include improving housing, transportation, public spaces, civic engagement, and connection with family, friends, and neighbors with an emphasis on the needs of the 50-plus.

In New Hampshire, $35,500 in grants were awarded to projects providing outdoor recreational areas and complimentary structures.

The Nature Conservancy in Manchester has been awarded $20,000 to build a trail at the 640-acre Manchester Cedar Swamp with the goal of introducing this hidden ecological gem to visitors of all abilities and comfort levels.

The Cross New Hampshire Adventure Trail has been awarded $1,500 for improvements along a section of its 83-mile scenic route that spans the state from the Connecticut River to Maine. Benches will be installed at various lengths from trailheads along the Presidential Rail Trail in the Pondicherry National Wildlife Refuge in Coos County, which will provide scenic destination goals to entice visitors to access by a walk, a bike or skis.

Regenerative Roots Association of Hudson has been awarded $2,500 to transform underutilized spaces into active community farms, which act as hubs for social interaction, sustainable food production, educational opportunities and community events for a diverse group of program participants.

The Town of Newport has been awarded $3,649 to place 48 recreational wayfaring signs and five new trail kiosks to increase and improve safe usage of the town’s trail system.

Great Bay Stewards of Greenland has been awarded $7,800 to develop an accessible garden at the Great Bay Discovery Center, creating an interactive sculpture, sensory garden, and handicap-accessible play structures.

“We are incredibly proud to collaborate with these organizations as they work to make immediate improvements in their communities, encourage promising ideas and jumpstart long-term change, especially for those age 50 and over,” said AARP New Hampshire State Director Todd Fahey. “Our goal is to support the efforts of our communities to be great places for people of all backgrounds, ages and abilities.”

All projects are expected to be completed by November 10, 2021.

A nationwide list of grantees and their project descriptions is available at www.aarp.org/communitychallenge.