AARP Hearing Center
AARP Livable Communities Map
City of San Leandro (2020) Print
2020 AARP Community Challenge Grantee
Project Category
Civic Engagement
└ Developing projects based on residents' priorities
└ Developing projects based on residents' priorities
The City of San Leandro hosted a design charrette to engage residents -- including students and older adults -- in the planning process for a school gardening space. Historically, teachers and students interested in improving the space had difficulty connecting with community groups. The design workshop addressed this, bringing together local schools with Friends of the San Leandro Cree, StopWaste, and the Sogorea Te Land Trust, a local indigenous group. Participants brainstormed options to create an ADA-compliant outdoor education lab where residents can learn about gardening and the San Leandro Creek ecosystem. Ultimately, project organizers adapted curriculum developed during the charrette in the design for a second garden site at San Leandro High School. Organizers say the gardening sites will provide hands-on experiences for students and community members to engage in watershed ecology, gardening and indigenous history.
Photo Gallery
Image:
Click on a photo to learn more
See More Projects Like This One
Manning, IA
AARP Community Challenge Grant Year: 2021
Project Category: Developing projects based on residents' priorities
Description: Manning City Hall possesses a collection of important historical artifacts, but because of space constraints, most of them were kept in storage in the building's basement. To allow residents to see the items, the City of Manning installed eighteen glass display cases and placed them throughout the community, creating a reverse museum tour. They distributed brochures explaining how a reverse museum helps display artifacts without the cost of building a standalone facility. The leaflets also give information on the artifacts displayed, which range from small trinkets to World War II nurse's uniforms. Project organizers say the displays have inspired residents to explore their own basements and attics in search of more items to donate. The project also sparked the local library to open a designated room -- dubbed the vault -- to host larger exhibits.
ME
AARP Community Challenge Grant Year: 2022
Project Category: Developing projects based on residents' priorities
Description: This project staged theatrical performances about challenges experienced by older adults at venues across central Maine.
Brattleboro, VT
AARP Community Challenge Grant Year: 2023
Project Category: Developing projects based on residents' priorities
Description: This project will organize walk-and-talks and indoor workshops led by community members aged 50 to inform residents about the construction of a riverside park and get them engaged in shaping its future development.
Nearby AARP Community Challenge Projects
Oakland, CA
AARP Community Challenge Grant Year: 2021
Project Category: Community Gardens
Description: During the COVID-19 pandemic, community gardens became critical, allowing residents of Oakland and the East Bay to meet and connect with neighbors and grow healthy food. However, many community gardens lacked amenities that made them accessible for people of all ages. To close this gap, Habitat for Humanity East Bay/Silicon Valley added needed amenities for gardens throughout the region. By installing three picnic tables, four tool sheds, five Adirondack chairs, ten garden benches and more 30 garden stools, Habitat for Humanity was able to revitalize well-loved gardens and ensure more residents could access fresh produce locally.
Oakland, CA
AARP Community Challenge Grant Year: 2025
Project Category: Reconnect Communities
Description: The 980 Block Party will engage West Oakland residents to reimagine the 980 Freeway. The event will support freeway redesign, improve access and safety, and reclaim public space. EVOAK will document community history and collaborate with local organizations to promote equitable development and affordable housing.
LEARN MORE AND STAY INFORMED
Find articles and resources about making communities more livable for people of all ages
Download or order free publications from AARP Livable Communities
Sign up for the free, weekly, award-winning AARP Livable Communities eNewsletter
Don't see your community listed?
LEARN HOW IT CAN JOIN THE NETWORKConnect with your AARP State Office
AARP has offices in all 50 states as well as in the District of Columbia, Puerto Rico and the U.S. Virgin Islands.
AARP California State Office
200 S. Los Robles Avenue
Suite 400
Pasadena, CA 91101
United States