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Center for Healthy Aging (2021) Print
2021 AARP Community Challenge Grantee
Project Category
Public places
└ Community Gardens
└ Community Gardens
Many of Reno's Native residents have limited access to fresh produce. To provide nutritious food to local families, the Center for Healthy Aging concerted a vacant lot into an intergenerational, indigenous community garden. The Center wanted to ensure the space was accessible and welcoming, so it installed ADA-compliant benches, raised garden beds and LED lighting in the space. Today, the garden hosts programming for people of all ages, including culinary classes, culturally relevant gardening instruction and a harvest festival.
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Price, UT
AARP Community Challenge Grant Year: 2025
Project Category: Community Gardens
Description: Many older adults in the region faced food insecurity and few chances to connect with others in a safe outdoor space. SCAP began building an accessible community garden by installing raised beds, completing water infrastructure, adding wildlife fencing and planting shade trees with help from volunteers. These steps created the foundation for a shared space where people of all ages and abilities can grow produce and learn gardening skills. During planting work, older adults from the nearby senior center stopped to ask questions, and one woman said the chance to volunteer and receive produce would make a real difference for her. The garden is expected to reduce isolation, improve access to fresh food and become a long-term hub for learning, connection and healthier living.
Project description was created using generative AI and then reviewed for accuracy.
Laramie, WY
AARP Community Challenge Grant Year: 2023
Project Category: Community Gardens
Description: Older adults in Laramie lacked accessible spaces for gardening and social connection. Age-Friendly Laramie transformed unused property at the Eppson Center into a welcoming garden with raised beds, a wheelchair-accessible picnic table and a storage shed. Volunteers added a colorful mural and helped plant, water and harvest herbs and vegetables for meals at the center. The garden now offers fresh produce and a safe place to gather, with plans for pathways and expanded beds. One longtime resident said gardening again "brought back memories" and gave him a sense of purpose.
Project description was created using generative AI and then reviewed for accuracy.
Juda, WI
AARP Community Challenge Grant Year: 2026
Project Category: Community Gardens
Description: The project will develop an accessible community garden featuring raised beds, smooth paths, seating and shared tools. The garden will support food growing, skill sharing and regular social interaction among residents of all ages.
Nearby AARP Community Challenge Projects
Reno, NV
AARP Community Challenge Grant Year: 2023
Project Category: Accessibility of amenities
Description: Older adults in Washoe County faced isolation and limited access to nature due to mobility challenges and costly adaptive equipment. To address this, the Foundation purchased five all-terrain wheelchairs and launched an adaptive walking program, making the chairs available for free at multiple parks. A marketing campaign spread awareness, and older adults now use the chairs weekly to explore trails they once could not reach. The project sparked new partnerships and plans for more adaptive gear. One participant shared, "I didn't think I would ever see that many different species of birds again," after using a chair to enjoy birdwatching.
Project description was created using generative AI and then reviewed for accuracy.
Reno, NV
AARP Community Challenge Grant Year: 2026
Project Category: Lifelong housing and accessibility
Description: A home-sharing pilot will match older adults with spare rooms to renters seeking affordable housing. The program will support aging in place by providing additional income, shared living support and regular oversight to keep arrangements stable and safe.
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