Newport, NH

AARP Community Challenge Grant Year: 2022

Project Category: Community Gardens

Description: This project turned a vacant lot into a dog park and community garden, both fully ADA accessible, with walkways, benches and raised-bed gardens.

Wilmington, DE

AARP Community Challenge Grant Year: 2019

Project Category: Community Gardens

Description: As part of its efforts to turn several vacant lots into the 7th and West Streets Park, the Wilmington Alliance (then known as the Wilmington Renaissance Corporation) created a community garden onsite. The Alliance constructed a storage shed and raised-bed gardens, along with two beds for blueberry and raspberry bushes. The shed has lighting, a community bulletin board and a countertop workspace for gardeners. To offer gardeners expertise and support, project organizers also recruited a neighbor to serve as farmer-in-residence. During planning for the new park -- located on a remediated brownfield site -- residents specifically requested a vegetable garden. Today, the garden makes up one-third of the park. The green space has become a staple in the community, and the neighbors have embraced the opportunities the garden presents, said Laura Semmelroth, director of creative placemaking.

Wheeling, WV

AARP Community Challenge Grant Year: 2024

Project Category: Community Gardens

Description: This project will convert a vacant space near older adult housing and a retirement community into a new community garden. The garden will include raised beds for growing fruits, vegetables, herbs and flowers.