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Age-Friendly Spotlight - Lyman
Early Win - Enhancing the accessibility of Bunganut Park
One year ago, the town of Lyman joined the AARP Network of Age-Friendly States and Communities, and already the organizers can count among their successes three major accomplishments. Following a process developed for Age-Friendly communities, local organizers Karen Kane and Joe Wagner compiled a list of useful local resources, and with assistance from town officials, conducted a town-wide survey, and submitted two successful Community Connections mini-grants totaling $35,000 – all of which will help residents of Lyman work together to access community resources better.
Kane, who has a background in sales and marketing, is hopeful that “community support will grow once people benefit from what you’re offering”. Her self-described service-oriented outlook and her experience taking care of an aging parent led to the community-focused collaboration with Wagner, a former Maine State Representative and current member of the Lyman Select Board.
Their local resource list, which is posted to the town website, highlights organizations that support veterans, caretakers, low-income residents, and older adults. A subsequent town survey generated 270 responses and provided insight into what residents want to see in their town. Respondents indicated that they enjoy living in Lyman and want to continue doing so. They would also like to see improved trails and outdoor spaces. The latter finding led to the town obtaining the mini-grants to fund upgrades to Bunganut Lake Park – a popular recreation area for townspeople.
This month, the Select Board will make final decisions related to the planned purchase of wheelchair-accessible picnic tables for Bunganut Park. Replacing old tables is part of the long-term revitalization initiative that now includes improving accessibility.
This summer, the Town of Lyman is working to organize an Age-Friendly committee to continue current projects and take on new ones. Kane remains hopeful that the group can increase its volunteer pool, collaborate with other town committees, and perhaps with neighboring towns down the road. She feels the town can attend to the “low-hanging fruit and continue to pursue funding through grants, donations, and sponsors.” Even for a small community with few businesses and financial resources, Wagner says, “there is so much that can be done.”
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