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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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Wheeling, WV
AARP Community Challenge Grant Year: 2024
Project Category: Community Gardens
Description: Warwood lacked a safe, accessible space for growing food and connecting neighbors, leaving older adults with few options for activity and healthy eating. Volunteers transformed a vacant lot into the Loveland Community Garden with 20 raised beds, a storage shed, fencing and benches designed for accessibility. Level paths and recycled-plastic benches made gardening possible for those with mobility challenges. The garden now fosters intergenerational ties, with older adults sharing tips and students forming clubs. Plans for workshops and selling excess crops at local markets promise lasting community engagement.
Project description was created using generative AI and then reviewed for accuracy.
Trinidad, CO
AARP Community Challenge Grant Year: 2022
Project Category: Community Gardens
Description: The museum's gardens had deteriorated, limiting educational programs and community use in a town facing food insecurity. To address this, the museum restored its historic grounds with LED solar path lights, ADA-compliant benches, wheelchair-accessible picnic tables and raised garden beds. Interpretive signage was added to connect the gardens with exhibits. These improvements created a welcoming space for learning and gathering, offering older adults accessible seating and gardening opportunities. A visitor expressed excitement about the changes, saying they look forward to enjoying the new herb and vegetable gardens.
Project description was created using generative AI and then reviewed for accuracy.
Barceloneta, PR
AARP Community Challenge Grant Year: 2024
Project Category: Community Gardens
Description: An abandoned lot in Barceloneta left older adults without a safe, inclusive space for recreation and connection. The project converted the site into a community garden with ramps, picnic tables and shade structures. It also hosted monthly workshops on farming and composting. Volunteers helped install accessibility features and maintain the space. The garden now serves as a hub for learning and social interaction, promoting food security and emotional well-being. One community leader said she was grateful for a place where she could unwind and talk while being surrounded by nature, highlighting its impact on residents quality of life.
Project description was created using generative AI and then reviewed for accuracy.
Nearby AARP Community Challenge Projects
Omaha, NE
AARP Community Challenge Grant Year: 2024
Project Category: Housing 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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