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Borough of Millersburg (2023) Print
2023 AARP Community Challenge Grantee
Project Category
Public places
└ Community Gardens
└ Community Gardens
Gardeners faced a cumbersome irrigation setup that required long walks and manual water activation, making maintenance difficult for older adults. The borough installed a permanent underground water line and yard hydrant near the garden entrance, replacing a temporary hose system. This upgrade simplified watering and boosted accessibility. The garden now produces thousands of pounds of organic food for local distribution, and participants anticipate expanded use for therapeutic gardening. One gardener said, "Watering is SO much easier now" and noted how lack of water pressure had made garden upkeep difficult prior to the project.
Project description was created using generative AI and then reviewed for accuracy.
Project description was created using generative AI and then reviewed for accuracy.
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Providence, RI
AARP Community Challenge Grant Year: 2025
Project Category: Community Gardens
Description: Older adults facing food insecurity and contaminated soil needed a safe way to grow produce and connect with others. Teaching straw bale gardening gave residents a low impact method that required no heavy tools or bending. Volunteers and older adults prepared the bales, planted vegetables and shared harvests, strengthening ties and reducing isolation. Returning participants showed how meaningful the project had become. Some participants watched produce closely, hoping to pick it when ripe. Preparing the site for next spring ensures continuity and encourages participants to try the method at home.
Project description was created using generative AI and then reviewed for accuracy.
Manchester, CT
AARP Community Challenge Grant Year: 2024
Project Category: Community Gardens
Description: To combat food insecurity and isolation, the organization transformed its property into a welcoming outdoor space with raised garden beds and picnic tables. Volunteers maintained the gardens, which yielded tomatoes, peppers, eggplant, okra, watermelon and herbs for free distribution. A ribbon-cutting event marked the opening, and older adults embraced the space as a place to share meals and conversation. The project not only provided fresh produce to improve nutrition, but also fostered inclusion and strengthened community ties. It has created a vibrant setting that will expand in future seasons.
Project description was created using generative AI and then reviewed for accuracy.
Stone Mountain, GA
AARP Community Challenge Grant Year: 2023
Project Category: Community Gardens
Description: Immigrant and refugee growers in Stone Mountain needed better resources and infrastructure to farm collectively. The grant funded upgrades at two sites-Indian Creek MARTA Station Farm and North Dekalb Mall Garden-adding land improvements, garden tools, seed bins and picnic tables. These enhancements created safer, more functional spaces for older adults and strengthened community engagement. Both gardens are now part of long-term plans, including a partnership with Atlanta's transit authority and integration into a major mixed-use redevelopment. This helps position growers to sell produce locally and sustain food access.
Project description was created using generative AI and then reviewed for accuracy.
Nearby AARP Community Challenge Projects
Harrisburg, PA
AARP Community Challenge Grant Year: 2017
Project Category: Public space activation
Description: Vacant lots in Harrisburg's Allison Hill neighborhood -- which make up about a third of the neighborhood's land area -- were overgrown with weeds and debris, attracted crime and often served as illegal dumping sites. To address this, the Tri County Community Organization set out to clean up eight lots. Volunteers cleared the sites of debris, installed fencing and planted low-maintenance grass that only grows to six inches in height. "This project opens up the space so that there's no place to hide for crime, so this project really helps to bring beauty to the neighborhood," Neighborhood Outreach Coordinator Donnell Brown said. Now that the lots are cleaned up, project organizers hope the spaces will help raise property values, as well as provide residents with a gathering space.
Camp Hill, PA
AARP Community Challenge Grant Year: 2025
Project Category: Engaging residents in vibrant public places
Description: This Foundation sought to reduce barriers that kept older adults and people with disabilities from enjoying outdoor recreation, including transportation challenges, limited access to equipment and uncertainty about how to participate. The project created educational materials, trained volunteers, offered skill-building sessions and launched gear-lending libraries so residents could try activities without cost. Partnerships with local community centers helped provide transportation to parks and forests. These efforts increased participation and built confidence among older adults, while volunteers and partners learned how to support inclusive recreation. One participant noted that barrier-removal training sparked practical ideas that made nature feel more accessible.
Project description was created using generative AI and then reviewed for accuracy.
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