VALLEY CITY, N.D. (AARP) – AARP has awarded the Sheyenne River National Scenic Byway a $10,000 Community Challenge grant to help complete the Sheyenne River Water Trail. The grant will be used to add another handicap accessible launch at the newly created Wood Landing.

“The AARP Challenge grant allows us to build Wood Landing in between Little Yellowstone Park and Fort Ransom State Park landings. All three sites have accessible launches making it easy for all ages to enjoy paddling on the Sheyenne River,” according to Tyler Modlin, Chairman of Water Trail Advisory Committee.

Mary Lee Nielson, Committee Member Sheyenne River Water Trail Advisory Committee said this landing was made possible by a partnership with the Jack Wood family who provided the site. Other amenities at the site are an information kiosk, a restroom, picnic table, garbage cans, and a bike rack. By funding innovative, quick-action projects that spark change and build momentum for improved public places, community engagement, housing options and transportation services, the AARP Community Challenge helps
towns, cities and neighborhoods become more livable for people of all ages, backgrounds and abilities. The Wood Landing project is one of 383 projects funded nationwide from 3,460 applications. 45 percent of this year’s AARP Challenge grant projects are in rural communities, making it the largest rural investment to date for projects meeting the needs of adults age 50 and older.