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City of Forman (2023) Print
2023 AARP Community Challenge Grantee
Project Category
Public places
└ Community Gardens
└ Community Gardens
Limited access kept residents from fully using Forman's community garden. The city moved the garden to a central park near assisted living and added raised beds, benches and a picnic table to make it more inviting. The new location encourages families and older adults to garden and gather, while added seating creates a comfortable resting spot for visitors. One resident said, "I love the new garden boxes. They look great and are in the perfect location."
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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Highland Heights, KY
AARP Community Challenge Grant Year: 2022
Project Category: Community Gardens
Description: Older adults lacked access to fresh produce and social connection, so the center built two raised garden beds and launched gardening classes with donated soil and seeds. Participants planted fall crops, learned pest control and harvesting, and joined cooking sessions using their own produce. One new participant said she was "excited to join" because raised beds made gardening accessible and offered a chance to "connect with so many other seniors," improving her health and social life.
Project description was created using generative AI and then reviewed for accuracy.
Iola, KS
AARP Community Challenge Grant Year: 2023
Project Category: Community Gardens
Description: Limited infrastructure and seasonal constraints made gardening difficult for older adults and families. The project added raised beds, a greenhouse and a solar-powered system to run a pond pump, along with a worktable, soil and seeds. These upgrades created an accessible space for growing food and learning. The garden now produces vegetables for donation and serves as an educational hub for teaching gardening and food preparation. Plans include hosting a children's camp and expanding community involvement.
Project description was created using generative AI and then reviewed for accuracy.
Fremont, NE
AARP Community Challenge Grant Year: 2023
Project Category: Community Gardens
Description: A local community garden lacked accessibility and security, limiting use by older adults and neighbors. To address this, the project added crushed asphalt walkways for safer footing, seating around raised beds and a full enclosure with trellised entryways. A camera was installed to deter theft, and a stolen watering system was replaced. These upgrades improved safety and usability, drawing praise from residents and setting the stage for expanded planting next season. Plans include doubling crop yield and hosting a spring cookout to boost volunteer engagement.
Project description was created using generative AI and then reviewed for accuracy.
Nearby AARP Community Challenge Projects
Forman, ND
AARP Community Challenge Grant Year: 2019
Project Category: Public space activation
Description: The City of Forman transformed an empty lot into a pleasant gathering space, designed especially for older adults. The space is located on the city's Main Street, across from a senior center and next to the county health office. To activate the lot, the City installed paving stones and set up a two-person table with chairs. They also added planters, solar lights, a trash can, a metal bench and an arbor at the entrance. Flowers, shrubs and a community garden with six raised beds followed. As the only outdoor area on Forman's Main Street with seating, the site gave people a safe place to gather during the COVID-19 pandemic. With new businesses opening across the street, the City expects to see more pedestrian traffic in the neighborhood.
Milnor, ND
AARP Community Challenge Grant Year: 2023
Project Category: Park enhancements
Description: Milnor faced a gap in outdoor recreation for its Northview neighborhood, leaving older adults without nearby options for fitness and social connection. To address this, the city added outdoor exercise equipment next to a children's playground. This included a strider and two chest presses, with a recumbent bike to follow in spring. Volunteers and city staff handled installation. Residents say they are eager to use the equipment, which offers a lasting alternative in a town without an indoor gym and encourages older adults to stay active while engaging with neighbors.
Project description was created using generative AI and then reviewed for accuracy.
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