Farmington River Pier Project Nets Major Grant Funds For Improving Access

FARMINGTON, CT — The Farmington Land Trust has received a $15,000 grant through the 2026 AARP Community Challenge program to help build an accessible fishing and viewing pier along the Farmington River in Unionville.

The grant will support the nonprofit's "River Access for All" project, which includes construction of Polly's Pier, an 80-foot accessible pier at the organization's Douglass Mount property.

The pier will extend from the Farmington Canal Heritage Trail, also known locally as the Rails to Trails, over the Farmington River.

The project is named in honor of Farmington resident Polly Hincks, a lifelong advocate for people with disabilities.

According to the land trust, the pier is intended to improve access to the river for people of all ages and abilities.

The Farmington Land Trust was one of 750 organizations selected nationwide from more than 5,100 applications submitted from all 50 states, Washington, D.C., Puerto Rico, and the U.S. Virgin Islands.

"We are incredibly proud that AARP selected the Farmington Land Trust for this investment to help make Farmington more livable for residents of all ages and abilities," Farmington Land Trust President Timothy C. Smith said in a statement. "AARP is a national leader in supporting communities to become more livable, and we are honored that they recognize the value and impact this project will bring to our area."

The AARP Community Challenge is part of the organization's Livable Communities initiative, which provides quick-action grants to support projects that improve neighborhoods for people of all ages.

Funded projects focus on goals such as creating safe, walkable streets, expanding access to transportation and essential services, increasing housing accessibility, and encouraging community engagement.

Founded in 1971, the Farmington Land Trust is a nonprofit organization dedicated to preserving and protecting open space in Farmington. The organization currently stewards 71 parcels totaling more than 300 acres through land acquisition, conservation, education, and advocacy efforts.

For more information on the grant award, click on this link.

From March 27: 'Farmington Land Trust to Build ‘Polly’s Pier’ To Improve River Access'