AARP Eye Center
AARP Livable Communities Map
See More Projects Like This One
St. Johnsbury, VT
AARP Community Challenge Grant Year: 2021
Project Category: Community Gardens
Description: To give residents access to fresh produce, the Vermont Community Garden Network installed garden beds at two affordable housing complexes in St. Johnsbury and Newport. Over several building days, volunteers worked to clear old wood and debris, cut boards to construct the raised beds, fill them with soil and plant garlic bulbs for residents to harvest in the spring. To ensure the crop's success, they also held a demonstration to teach residents how to plant, care for and harvest garlic. In addition to improving residents' physical health through nutritious food, organizers say the gardens will support mental health, too, by combating social isolation. The Network continues to host workshops and provide seeds, tools and other support to gardeners at both housing complexes.
Bridgewater, MA
AARP Community Challenge Grant Year: 2023
Project Category: Community Gardens
Description: The project will fund a garden and outdoor activity area designed for older adults. It will include ADA-compliant and wheelchair-accessible raised gardening beds, grilling stations and outdoor seating.
Jackson, KY
AARP Community Challenge Grant Year: 2023
Project Category: Community Gardens
Description: This project will turn a flooded green space into a community gardens with raised beds, buckets and an accessible bench. Local senior centers will be invited to use the raised beds for educational classes and outings and produce grown in the garden will be distributed to the community.
Nearby AARP Community Challenge Projects
Charleston, WV
AARP Community Challenge Grant Year: 2019
Project Category: Park enhancements
Description: To make its underused East End Community Park more inviting, the City of Charleston added a splash pad, playground equipment and new greenery. First, the City held a community clean up day, where volunteers helped prepare the site. Then the City installed new equipment, including a swing set, two ski walker gliders and a water umbrella for the splash pad. The City also planted trees to shade the park's walking path and improve its overall appearance. In addition, they added lighting to improve park safety by illuminating the walking path, the community garden and other areas. Since these changes, project organizers report more families are using the park and neighbors are chipping in to keep the area free of litter.
Charleston, WV
AARP Community Challenge Grant Year: 2020
Project Category: Park enhancements
Description: This project upgraded Charleston's East End Dog Park to make it usable for pet owners of all ages. The City planted trees, installed shade structures and added seating. They also made repairs to the park's water source and planted grass. In addition, City workers fenced off a section of the dog park specifically for smaller dogs, keeping them separate from larger breeds that can intimidate them.
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 West Virginia State Office
300 Summers Street
Suite 400
Charleston, WV 25301
United States