Elk River Trail Foundation, Inc. is thrilled to announce we have been selected to receive a 2024 AARP Community Challenge grant. We are one of only 343 grantees selected (out of 3,300+ applications!) from across all 50 states, Washington D.C, Puerto Rico and the U.S. Virgin Islands. 

With this quick-action grant we will purchase and install thirteen new benches along the Elk River Trail in Clay and Braxton Counties.  The benches will add to the five very popular benches installed in Kanawha County that were funded with a grant from the Kanawha Coalition for Community Health Improvement.

“We are incredibly proud that AARP selected Elk River Trail Foundation for this investment to make our trail towns of Sutton, Gassaway, Clay and Clendenin and other communities along the trail more livable for residents of all ages,” stated Ken Tawney, President of the Foundation. “AARP is a nationwide leader in making communities more livable and we are honored that they see the tangible value this project will bring to our area.”

About the AARP Community Challenge

The AARP Community Challenge grant program funds innovative, quick-action projects that inspire change in areas such as public places; housing; transportation; digital connectivity; community resilience; and more. With additional funding support provided by Toyota Motor North America, the program is also increasing its investment in pedestrian safety projects that will improve streets and sidewalks, create vibrant pedestrian infrastructure, engage community members and much more.

This is all part of AARP’s nationwide work on livable communities, which supports the efforts of

neighborhoods, towns, cities and counties across the country to become great places for all. AARP believes that communities should provide safe, walkable streets; affordable and accessible housing and transportation options; access to needed services; and opportunities for residents to participate in community life. 

To learn more about the projects being funded by the AARP Community Challenge across the nation, including all 343 granted projects this year, visit aarp.org/CommunityChallenge. You can also view an interactive map of current and past AARP Community Challenge projects and AARP’s Livable Communities work at aarp.org/livable.