We are excited to announce that Wilton has been awarded a $17,000 national AARP Community Challenge grant to erect a handicapped-accessible gazebo on the Wilton Riverwalk!  This year’s award process was the most competitive ever, with 3,600 applications nationwide and just 310 grants awarded.  This grant is fully-funded, with no need for matching funds from the town. 

In addition to providing a new gathering spot in downtown where residents can enjoy entertainment and nature, the gazebo will as the home base for a new innovative Wilton Senior Citizens Science Program. Open to residents aged 50 and over, this program will train residents to observe wildlife and catalog their findings for the Wilton Conservation Commission's Natural Resource Inventory.  The Wilton Alliance, a local non-profit organization, will also be contributing $1,200 to support program materials and training.

"AARP is proud to support the town of Wilton and its commitment to fostering engagement and empowerment among its senior citizens”, said AARP New Hampshire State Director Christina FitzPatrick. “The Riverwalk Gazebo and the Senior Citizens Science Program will undoubtedly create a meaningful and enjoyable experience for the residents, while also contributing to the conservation efforts in the area. We look forward to seeing the positive impact this initiative will have on the community."

Thanks go to the Wilton Economic Development Team for securing this grant, which follows on to the previous $19,711 grant awarded to Wilton by AARP in 2020.

For full details of the announcement, see the press release HERE.

For a brief statement on the impact of this grant, please watch the video below!