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City of Shakopee (2021) Print
2021 AARP Community Challenge Grantee
Project Category
Public places
└ Community Gardens
└ Community Gardens
When a new development threatened to displace an active community garden, residents of Shakopee were disappointed. But the City of Shakopee saw an opportunity to move the garden in a more centrally accessible location near a popular bicycle and pedestrian route. This project added a concrete patio, new garden beds, seating, bike racks and trash and recycling bins to the new garden. With ADA-compliant features, including a concrete path and benches, the space is accessible to gardeners of all ages and abilities. Since the relocation, the garden provides fresh produce to families in need throughout Shakopee.
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See More Projects Like This One
Sacramento, CA
AARP Community Challenge Grant Year: 2025
Project Category: Community Gardens
Description: ACC addressed the lack of an accessible outdoor space where older adults could garden and connect. New raised beds, benches, irrigation and a decomposed granite walkway made it possible for people with mobility or vision limitations to participate fully. Volunteers of all ages helped build the space, creating a sense of shared purpose. Older adults said the improvements let them garden up close again and enjoy time outside with others. The project strengthened social ties, increased daily engagement and established a long-term gathering place that will support health, learning and connection for years to come.
Project description was created using generative AI and then reviewed for accuracy.
Montpelier, VT
AARP Community Challenge Grant Year: 2022
Project Category: Community Gardens
Description: Older residents faced barriers to affordable fresh produce and lacked a welcoming space to gather. The project launched weekly pop-up farm-stand events outside the local center, offering low-cost food grown at the city's Feast Farm. A mobile stand, shade tent and signage were added, and volunteers-including many age 50-plus-helped run events featuring music and cooking demos. The farm stand became a seasonal hub for social connection and healthy eating. One volunteer said it was "wonderful to see all the fresh produce and feel part of something." Plans include continuing the farm stand and expanding different programs.
Project description was created using generative AI and then reviewed for accuracy.
Anchorage, AK
AARP Community Challenge Grant Year: 2025
Project Category: Community Gardens
Description: This project will add accessible garden beds, benches, and signage to its community gardens. This will support older adults with mobility challenges and provide education on food security and local food production.
Nearby AARP Community Challenge Projects
Burnsville, MN
AARP Community Challenge Grant Year: 2018
Project Category: Roadway/sidewalks/crosswalk improvement
Description: Burnsville city staff identified four crosswalks in need of safety improvements. To make the crossings safter for people on foot, they installed flashing beacons, which pedestrians activate by pushing a button. The flashing lights alter drivers to people crossing the street, prompting them to slow down. They also repainted pavement striping, added signage and improved sidewalks to make them ADA-accessible. To evaluate the efficacy of the changes, the City conducted a pedestrian study after installation. The City is now working to educate drivers about the beacons and crosswalk safety.
Minneapolis, MN
AARP Community Challenge Grant Year: 2022
Project Category: Improved wayfinding
Description: Mobility hubs were designed to offer sustainable transportation, but older adults and residents with limited English proficiency struggled with unclear signage and few places to rest. The city responded by installing bright, icon-based wayfinding signs, adding benches and testing LED projectors for nighttime visibility. Ambassadors connected with older adults at events and cultural centers to explain shared bikes and scooters and gather feedback. These changes improved comfort and accessibility, and the project laid groundwork for citywide signage upgrades. Outreach was expanded to help residents navigate mobility options confidently.
Project description was created using generative AI and then reviewed for accuracy.
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