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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
Montclair, NJ
AARP Community Challenge Grant Year: 2024
Project Category: Community Gardens
Description: Many older adults lacked outdoor spaces for gardening, limiting chances for physical activity and social connection. The project built four waist-high raised beds with wide ADA-compliant paths and fencing, installed rain barrels and signage, and launched a seven-week gardening course in partnership with Montclair Community Farms. Local scouts helped assemble the garden. Residents have expressed how thrilled they are to have this available, adding that they now have a space that fosters pride and engagement.
Project description was created using generative AI and then reviewed for accuracy.
Philadelphia, PA
AARP Community Challenge Grant Year: 2022
Project Category: Community Gardens
Description: West Philadelphia lacked accessible green spaces, leaving older adults and marginalized residents without safe areas for recreation and social connection. The Park in a Truck initiative partnered with LandHealth Institute to build four demonstration gardens-Natural, Edible, Sanctuary and Event-at a former vacant lot. Volunteers installed raised beds, pollinator plants and seating amenable to people age 50-plus. The project united older adults and youth to create inclusive spaces and provided hands-on education about gardening and pollination. One participant shared, "Building demonstration gardens helped me learn what I can plant in other areas of my neighborhood." The gardens now serve as models for future community-led green spaces.
Project description was created using generative AI and then reviewed for accuracy.
Providence, RI
AARP Community Challenge Grant Year: 2026
Project Category: Community Gardens
Description: An outdoor space will be upgraded with accessible seating, raised garden beds and better lighting. The changes will allow safe outdoor meals, gardening and gatherings.
Nearby AARP Community Challenge Projects
Eden Prairie, MN
AARP Community Challenge Grant Year: 2026
Project Category: Lifelong housing and accessibility
Description: A home-sharing program will connect adults age 55-plus who have extra space with renters looking for affordable housing. Matches are designed to support shared living through companionship, light household help and rental income.
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.
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