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BronxWorks (2018) Print
2018 AARP Community Challenge Grantee
Project Category
Public places
└ Community Gardens
└ Community Gardens
The Morris Community Garden had suffered years of neglect, and the abandoned site was overrun with rats. To breathe new live into the space, BronxWorks restored the garden, located near a senior center and three schools. They renamed the space Bean Morris Garden to memorialize a young man from the neighborhood. To welcome people of all ages and abilities, the nonprofit added accessible seating to the space, along with raised garden beds. Since the renovation, residents of all ages have volunteered to tend to the plots. Organizers say the amenity offers an important outdoor gathering space for the community.
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Rye Brook, NY
AARP Community Challenge Grant Year: 2024
Project Category: Community Gardens
Description: Many older residents faced food insecurity as pre-made meals became costly and often spoiled, leaving those in low-income housing without reliable nutrition. The Village transformed an unused patio into a handicapped-accessible Giving Garden with raised beds and seating, enabling volunteers to grow fresh vegetables and herbs. Older adults now receive free produce and enjoy a welcoming space for meals and socializing. The garden also offers therapeutic benefits. One participant shared that she reminisced about gardening with her father as she worked in the new garden, and was already committed to working in the garden next spring.
Project description was created using generative AI and then reviewed for accuracy.
Reno, NV
AARP Community Challenge Grant Year: 2025
Project Category: Community Gardens
Description: The City of Reno transformed an underused area of Paradise Park into a community garden that addressed food access and social isolation among older adults. Many residents wanted affordable ways to grow fresh food and connect outdoors, but lacked spaces designed for regular participation. The project installed accessible raised beds and hosted gardening, nutrition and wellness activities throughout the season. Older adults played key roles in planting, harvesting and sharing produce, while volunteer days and intergenerational events kept the space active. Participants described the garden as a place to build routine and purpose. Partnerships formed through the project are supporting continued programming and long term use of the garden.
Project description was created using generative AI and then reviewed for accuracy.
Rolette County, ND
AARP Community Challenge Grant Year: 2020
Project Category: Community Gardens
Description: Project organizers planted fruit trees and native plants, enhancing a new garden on the Turtle Mountain Chippewa powwow grounds. The community gardening space featured turtle-shaped pots, which hold flowers and plants -- such as sweet grass and silver sage -- needed for traditional medicines. The Committee hopes fruit from the trees will feed community members and visitors to the annual Powwow celebration. Additionally, the popularity of the turtle-themed planters inspired a fundraising idea. Powwow organizers plan to create similar planters to sell in the future, with proceeds going toward running the Powwow.
Nearby AARP Community Challenge Projects
New York City, NY
AARP Community Challenge Grant Year: 2024
Project Category: Public place improvements to withstand extreme weather events
Description: Older adults in heat-vulnerable NYC neighborhoods faced isolation and health risks during extreme summer heat, with few safe outdoor spaces. Street Lab created OASIS, a pop-up cooling station with shade, seating and a misting "river," deploying it 33 times across 15 streets. The setup also included plant carts and emergency preparedness materials, offering immediate relief and a place to connect. The project drew 1,650 people-half age 50-plus-and informed plans to scale citywide. One older adult said she loved staying cool while watching her granddaughter play in the mist, showing how OASIS turned hot streets into welcoming community spaces.
Project description was created using generative AI and then reviewed for accuracy.
Bronx, NY
AARP Community Challenge Grant Year: 2023
Project Category: Public space activation
Description: Fordham University's Center for Community Engaged Learning transformed a vacant lot in Highbridge into a weekly farmers market, tackling limited access to fresh food and services for older adults. The market offered locally grown produce, cooking demonstrations and resource tables, with seating added for comfort. It accepted multiple payment options, including assistance programs, and fostered intergenerational connections. During cooking demos, participants shared recipes and memories, with one noting the exchange "was a beautiful way to build community."
Project description was created using generative AI and then reviewed for accuracy.
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