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Winnemucca, NV
AARP Community Challenge Grant Year: 2021
Project Category: Community Gardens
Description: A large community garden in one of Winnemucca's parks had fallen into disrepair. But organizers with Age- and Dementia-Friendly Winnemucca saw the space's potential and set out to revitalize the community space. Organizers wanted to make the garden accessible, allowing people with mobility issues to garden while seated, or simply observe others while they work. To achieve this, they installed hip-height raised garden beds onsite. Additionally, they laid down pavers to create smooth surface suitable for people using wheelchairs and walkers. New benches completed the transformation, giving visitors a comfortable space to rest. To ensure the garden remains well cared for, the age-friendly initiative also purchased a weedwhacker for the site, along with a drip irrigation system. Organizers say the project's success inspired local leaders to consider other ways to improve the park.
Fort Pierre, SD
AARP Community Challenge Grant Year: 2019
Project Category: Community Gardens
Description: To provide residents the chance to grow fresh produce, the City of Fort Pierre began construction of its community garden in 2018. To kick off the project, organizers cleared the lot and constructed 24 raised beds, each including their own water spigot. The City also planted fruit trees at the site. As work continued in 2019, the City erected a fence around the gardens, added wood chips to create mud-free walkways between plots and installed picnic tables. That year all beds in the garden were rented. In 2020, the City added an accessible picnic table with an umbrella. Two local restaurants use the garden to raise produce for their menus and about 75 percent of gardeners renting plots are 60 or older. Project organizers report the success of the garden inspired other efforts to encourage healthy living in Fort Pierre, including improvements to the local trail system, a mural downtown and new lighting on a pedestrian bridge.
Findlay, OH
AARP Community Challenge Grant Year: 2025
Project Category: Community Gardens
Description: Many older adults had limited access to fresh food and safe outdoor spaces, especially in areas with few grocery options and higher rates of disability. These barriers made it harder for residents age 50 or over to stay active, eat well and connect with others. United Way of Hancock County redesigned the Findlay Community Garden to better serve older adults by adding raised beds, clearer pathways and shared gathering areas that reduce physical strain and improve access. The updated layout allowed older residents to garden comfortably and return to a routine many had valued earlier in life. Participants shared that the changes helped them feel independent and connected while growing food for themselves and others. The expanded garden now supports ongoing volunteer involvement, food sharing and long-term use as a stable community resource.
Project description was created using generative AI and then reviewed for accuracy.
Nearby AARP Community Challenge Projects
Indianapolis, IN
AARP Community Challenge Grant Year: 2018
Project Category: Public or private transit access
Description: It rains more than one out of three days, on average, in Indianapolis. To give riders of the city's public transit system a more comfortable wait for the bus -- even in wet weather -- IndyGo made outfitted three bus stops with shelters. Additionally, they added sidewalk ramps and seating to make them ADA compliant, allowing people of all ages and abilities to use them.
Indianapolis, IN
AARP Community Challenge Grant Year: 2025
Project Category: Disaster Preparedness
Description: John Boner Neighborhood Centers addressed preparedness gaps facing older adults in community housing, where limited incomes and access to supplies can increase risk during fires, power outages and extreme winter weather. The project paired practical education with direct support by distributing fire safety and winter weather kits to residents age 50 and over. Distribution events created opportunities for staff to share safety guidance, check in on wellness needs and reinforce available resources. Residents left with tools they could use immediately and information they could apply over time, strengthening confidence and independence at home. One participant described the relief of having multiple needs met in one place after receiving both safety supplies and help accessing supportive footwear, calling the experience a "blessing." The project deepened trust between residents and staff and established a foundation for continued safety outreach and preparedness programming.
Project description was created using generative AI and then reviewed for accuracy.
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