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Our Community Receives a 2026 AARP Community Challenge Grant
Author: Carol Hatfield, Broadwater County Trails

Our Community Receives a 2026 AARP Community Challenge Grant

Carol Hatfield

Broadwater County Trails

Broadwater County Development Corporation (BCDC) and Broadwater County Trails (BCT) are proud to announce that our community has been selected to receive a 2026 AARP Community Challenge grant.

This year, only 750 projects were chosen from more than 5,100 applications across all 50 states, Washington, D.C., Puerto Rico, and the U.S. Virgin Islands.

With this quick-action grant, BCDC and BCT will conduct walk audits in the City of Townsend and key areas of Broadwater County. These audits will identify conditions that make walking less safe—such as uneven or missing sidewalks, unsafe crossings, poor lighting, traffic behavior, and other accessibility barriers along routes that connect residents to parks, services, and community destinations. These on-the-ground observations provide insights that formal planning documents often cannot capture, with a particular focus on how these barriers affect residents aged 50 and older.

The project supports and strengthens both the Countywide Trails Vision Plan and the County Recreation Plan. Findings will help local leaders prioritize safer, more connected walking routes, reduce fall risks, expand access to recreation and local businesses, and position the community for future grant opportunities.

“We are incredibly proud that AARP selected BCDC Trails for this investment,” said Carol Hatfield, BCT member. “This project will support healthier aging, create safer walkable routes, increase recreation access, and help ensure that residents 50 and older can stay active, connected, and independent. AARP is a national leader in supporting livable communities, and we are honored that they recognize the value this project will bring to our area.”