Through grant funding, collaboration, and technical support, communities across Massachusetts have an opportunity to support residents of all ages in remaining physically active and socially engaged this winter.
The pandemic has heightened the awareness and importance of social engagement, which cities and towns can promote with a new guide developed by the Executive Office of Elder Affairs, WalkBoston and the Massachusetts Healthy Aging Collaborative.
With a timely funding opportunity available through the Massachusetts Department of Transportation’s (MassDOT) Shared Winter Streets and Spaces Program, communities can consider simple concepts and examples that promote physical and mental wellness along with safety and social connection. The grant from MassDOT, which will support projects in several rounds through late February, awards bonus points for projects that are inclusive of older adults. This new guide, entitled Age Friend Winter Spaces: Ideas for Municipalities to Embrace Winter, can help make bids successful while benefiting a broader audience.
You are invited to view the guide here, see the examples below and contact us with questions and requests for support.
- General Winter Placemaking and Activities Guides:
- Patronicity – Winter Activation Ideas for Main Streets & Neighborhoods
- Bloomberg/ CityLab – How to Make the Most of COVID Winter
- 8 80 Cities – Wintermission Program and Community Engagement Reports
- International Downtown Association (IDA) Advancing Places: Winter City Design Webinar
Winter-Friendly Walking:
- WalkBoston Recommendations for Sidewalk Snow and Ice Removal
- Salem 2020 Sidewalk and Paving Program
- Salem for All Ages Sidewalk Master Plan
- American Planning Association – Age Friendly Rural Planning Spotlight on Jackson Hole, Wyoming to Make Downtown More Walkable
- Sand for Seniors Initiative in Biddleford, Maine – Bringing Buckets of Salt & Sand to Older Adults to Prevent Slick Walkways
Transforming Business Districts & Main Streets:
- North Adams Winter Places Project
- New Bedford Downtown Winter Transformation
- Winter Strategies for Downtowns and Business Districts in Michigan
- Snowport at the Seaport
- Light Up the Night Initiative in Downtown Lansing, Michigan
Light and Outdoor Art Displays:
- Five Festive Holiday Light Displays To Enjoy By Car Or On Foot
- Marshfield Holiday Light Show
- Winter Lights on Cape Ann
- Medfield’s Winter Lights Display
- ZooLights at Stone Zoo
- The Magic of Lights at Gillette Stadium
Potential Funding Sources:
- MassDOT Shared Winter Streets and Spaces Grant Program
- MassDOT Complete Streets Program
- Community Compact
- Tufts Health Plan Foundation
- AARP Community Challenge Grants
- Social Health Labs Community Microgrants
- Barr Foundation
Other Guides to Consider: