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City of Omaha (2018) Print
2018 AARP Community Challenge Grantee
Project Category
Public places
└ Community Gardens
└ Community Gardens
To activate a city-owned vacant lot in North Omaha, the City of Omaha installed accessible planters -- built by a local community gardening organization -- that accommodate gardening from a standing or sitting position. A local artist worked with local elementary school children, helping them create murals depicting their aspirations. In addition, the project included a community chalk wall, where residents can leave inspiring messages. To improve a nearby bus stop, the City purchased installed benches. The art and new outdoor furnishings were in pace in time for a fall festival at the site, which organizers hope will occur annually.
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San Antonio, TX
AARP Community Challenge Grant Year: 2025
Project Category: Community Gardens
Description: Older adults needed better access to fresh food, active learning and social connection. Gardopia launched a community garden at the Senior Center, engaging 43 participants in hands-on installation, offering eight classes, wellness activities and installing raised beds with irrigation. Two participants completed an intensive master class to lead peers as the garden matures. A field visit to the microfarm boosted confidence and connection, and the garden will reach full productivity in Spring 2026 to support ongoing food access and active aging.
Project description was created using generative AI and then reviewed for accuracy.
Laramie, WY
AARP Community Challenge Grant Year: 2018
Project Category: Community Gardens
Description: Food insecurity is high in Laramie, with many residents lacking access to healthy, fresh produce. To increase food access, Action Resources International created a community garden. They considered the needs of older adults and people with mobility challenges when designing the space, adding accessible, raised garden beds onsite. The beds allow people in wheelchairs -- as well as those who find kneeling uncomfortable -- to tend to the plots. Project organizers hope the new garden provides learning opportunities for West Laramie residents and helps ease reliance on processed food.
Wasilla, AK
AARP Community Challenge Grant Year: 2022
Project Category: Community Gardens
Description: Organizers with Wasilla Area Seniors hoped their new community garden would be a therapeutic space for older adults. But the garden lacked places to sit and rest. Responding to older adults' requests for seating, project organizers added nine accessible benches to the site's trail and gardens. Additionally, they installed additional raised planters, which allow people of all abilities to garden. The improvements also precipitated the creation of the Mat-Su Seed Library group. Organizers say garden gives older adults a reason to leave their homes and socialize with others.
Nearby AARP Community Challenge Projects
Omaha, NE
AARP Community Challenge Grant Year: 2024
Project Category: Housing Choice Design Competitions
Description: Omaha's housing shortage leaves many older residents in homes that don't support aging in place. To address this, Omaha by Design launched a duplex design competition to showcase affordable, age-accessible options. The effort produced three winning designs and a public design book, paired with webinars on universal design and a diverse jury that included older adults. These resources are now guiding developers and informing zoning reform discussions. Interest is growing, with one developer immediately expressing plans to build intergenerational housing after seeing the designs, signaling the potential to reshape local housing choices.
Project description was created using generative AI and then reviewed for accuracy.
Omaha, NE
AARP Community Challenge Grant Year: 2018
Project Category: Engaging residents in vibrant public places
Description: The North Omaha neighborhood has experienced economic challenges due to a local history of systemic racism and environmental pollution. ONE Omaha set out to invest in the community, supporting neighborhood associations' work to address local concerns. They hosted Omaha NeighborFest 2018, an gathering aimed at teaching residents community development skills. At the event, ONE Omaha conducted a series of workshops and demonstrations on how to activate spaces and engage people. More than 600 city residents attended, including those historically left out of local decision making. The event spurred tangible change in the neighborhood, including a beautification effort to install recycling kiosks and a new mural honoring the Tuskegee Airmen.
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