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.

Chicago, IL

AARP Community Challenge Grant Year: 2020

Project Category: Community Gardens

Description: The El Paseo Community Garden in Chicago's Pilsen neighborhood added a new gathering space, dubbed El Convivio or The Gathering. The goal of the project was to make the garden more accessible to Latino older adults living in nearby apartment buildings. Improvements to the space include an outdoor kitchen and patio with a fire pit, ADA-compliant seating, walking paths and an accessible planting station. Planters at the site were specifically designed to grow culturally relevant produce, including tomatoes, peppers, garlic and onions. The picnic area's stucco and ceramic tiles mimic designs seen in Mexican haciendas. Garden leaders partnered with nonprofit architectural firm Human Scale to involve garden members in the space's design and volunteers from the neighborhood installed the new amenities. As El Paseo's leadership finalized El Convivio, they also worked with the City of Chicago to secured additional land to expand the garden.

Cordova, AK

AARP Community Challenge Grant Year: 2026

Project Category: Community Gardens

Description: An community greenhouse will be constructed with accessible beds and paths to support tribal Elders. The project will strengthen access to fresh food and social connections.