The Virgin Islands Trail Alliance is thrilled to announce that we have been selected to receive a 2026 AARP Community Challenge grant.

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 create a new nature park at Estate Anna's Hope on St. Croix. The project will include approximately one mile of trails, ADA-accessible benches, picnic tables, and directional, historical, and tree-species signage. The park will create an inclusive public space for walking, gathering, and community use while improving access for community members, including adults age 50 and older.

This project will advance our efforts to make St. Croix a place where people of all ages can thrive.

"We are incredibly proud that AARP selected the Virgin Islands Trail Alliance for this investment to help make St. Croix more livable for residents of all ages," stated Alma Winkfield, Vice President of the Virgin Islands Trail Alliance. "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
The AARP Community Challenge grant program supports projects that improve public places, housing, transportation, digital connectivity, disaster resilience, and more. In 2026, Toyota Motor North America is funding pedestrian safety projects that aim to enhance streets and sidewalks nationwide. Microsoft is supporting digital connections projects aimed at expanding access to and adoption of high-speed internet (broadband).
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 http://www.AARP.org/Livable.