The Farmington Land Trust (FLT) is thrilled to announce that we have been selected to receive a 2026 AARP Community Challenge grant in the amount of $15,000 for FLT’s River Access for All project. This year, only 750 grantees were chosen from 5,100 applications from across all 50 states, Washington D.C., Puerto Rico and the U.S. Virgin Islands.

With this quick-action grant, we will build Polly’s Pier, an 80-foot accessible pier at FLT’s Douglass Mount parcel on the Farmington River in Unionville. The pier, which is named in honor of lifelong disability advocate and Farmington resident Polly Hincks, will extend from the Rails to Trails out over the river. This project will advance FLT's efforts to make Farmington a place where people of all ages and abilities can thrive through access to the beauty and benefits of nature. 

“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,” said Timothy C. Smith, President of Farmington Land Trust. “AARP is a national leader in supporting communities to become more livable, and we are honored they recognize the value and impact this project will bring to our area.”

About the AARP Community Challenge

These grants are part of AARP’s broader Livable Communities initiative, which helps

neighborhoods, towns, cities, and counties across the country become great places for people of all ages. AARP believes communities should offer:

• Safe, walkable streets

• Affordable and accessible housing and transportation options

• Access to essential services

• Opportunities for residents to engage and participate fully in community life

To explore all 750 projects funded this year – or to view an interactive map of current and past Community Challenge projects – visit AARP.org/CommunityChallenge. Learn more about AARP’s nationwide Livable Communities work at AARP.org/Livable.

About the Farmington Land Trust

Farmington Land Trust is a nonprofit 501(c)(3) that since 1971 has been preserving and protecting open space in Farmington, Conn. for the benefit of current and future generations. The land trust fulfills its mission through the acquisition and stewardship of open space, education and advocacy. Currently 71 parcels totaling more than 300 acres are entrusted to FLT. Learn more at farmingtonlandtrust.org