Community Partners:
- New Bedford Departments of Parks and Recreation
- New Bedford Department of Planning and Infrastructure
- New Bedford Disabilities Commission
- Mass in Motion
- Southcoast Health Wellness Walking Program
- Marion Institute/Grow Education
- Friends of Buttonwood, Hazelwood, and Brooklawn Parks
- Coastline Elderly Services
Goals:
- Ensure the perspective and needs of older adults in public space design
- Encourage participation of older adults in outdoor activities
- Improve accessibility of public areas
Accomplishments:
- The Parks Department hosted a “Pedal Party” to introduce a new bikeway.
- Extended senior citizens discounts to include the local fee-based dog park
- Walk audits of two major parks were completed and funds have been obtained to complete ADA compliant designs at West Beach, the most popular beach facility
- Represented the needs of older adults at Mass in Motion and the 2021 Open Space and Recreation Plan.
- The Friends of Parks are working on adding benches and signage to make the parks more accessible to all ages.
- Installed raised garden beds at Hazelwood, Brooklawn, and Riverside parks.
- The Buttonwood Warming House Senior Center was renovated
- DPI is reviewing all new work within Complete Street guidelines
- Offered exercise programs remotely during COVID-19 pandemic – new adult programs include Yoga in the Park and Pickleball
- Intergenerational croquet and lawn bowling programs coming summer of 2021
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