New Milford Receives Grant from AARP

NEW MILFORD, CT -- The American Association of Retired Persons has selected New Milford as one of three Connecticut towns to receive a grant through the organization’s second annual community challenge.

In New Milford, the grant will provide new park benches and game top tables along an ADA-accessible walking route "to encourage walking and multigenerational social engagement," the AARP said in a release.

Nearly 1,600 applications were received from non-profits and government entities for the program, now in its second year. Each of the projects, which must be completed by November 5, is designed to achieve on one or more of the following outcomes:

• Deliver a range of transportation and mobility options that increase connectivity, walkability, bikeability, and/or access to public and private transit.
• Create vibrant public places that improve open spaces, parks and access to other amenities.
• Support the availability of a range of housing that increases accessible and affordable housing options.
• Address other issues of importance for communities.

“Leaders in Connecticut, and across the nation, are hard at work to make their city, town or neighborhood a great place for people to call home or visit,” said Nora Duncan, AARP CT state director. “To have three grantees in Connecticut demonstrates the variety and quality of ideas leaders all over our state are developing to create livable communities.”

In Connecticut, Hebron and Stafford were also awarded grants by by the AARP.

A total $1.3 million will be distributed to the 129 selected projects nationwide.