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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.
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Brattleboro, VT
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Project Category: Developing projects based on residents' priorities
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AARP Community Challenge Grant Year: 2022
Project Category: Developing projects based on residents' priorities
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Burlington, VT
AARP Community Challenge Grant Year: 2020
Project Category: Developing projects based on residents' priorities
Description: Because many local news sources struggle to stay afloat, educators at the University of Vermont launched an initiative to provide content to local papers and statewide news outlets. The Community News Service hired student journalists from around the state to produce stories on topics related to livable communities, including local investments in parks and public spaces, transportation connectivity and sidewalk expansions. Newspapers could then print those stories for free. The students gained hands-on reporting experience and also took photographs and created videos and podcasts. In addition, CNS organized reporting blitzes, assigning reporters to cover events such as elections, town meetings and a local Green-Up Day. Project organizers say they hope the local coverage helps residents stay informed and become engaged in their local community.
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.
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AARP Community Challenge Grant Year: 2025
Project Category: Reconnect Communities
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