San Diego, CA

AARP Community Challenge Grant Year: 2022

Project Category: Community Gardens

Description: To organizers with Bayside Community Center, a patch of dirt in Linda Vista Community Park had potential to become something more -- a community garden. First, the nonprofit presented their idea to local community groups to get neighbors' buy-in for the project. Volunteers then worked to transform the space, adding raised garden beds which are available to low- and moderate-income residents to rent. The garden serves a neighborhood considered to be a food desert and Bayside Community Center uses the garden to grow produce for families in need. The space also serves as a gathering space for neighbors, many of whom live in nearby affordable housing complexes. Additionally, organizers say the garden spurred similar projects in other city parks, leading the City of San Diego to consider streamlining its policies governing new community gardens.

San Diego, CA

AARP Community Challenge Grant Year: 2022

Project Category: Community Gardens

Description: Many residents who live near San Diego's Park de la Cruz rent apartments, which limits their access to outdoor gathering spaces and gardening opportunities. To address this, organizers created a community garden on an overgrown parcel of land in the park. Many residents in Volunteers installed raised garden beds, designed to be accessible for people of all ages and abilities. Additionally, they added seating, a worktable, shade umbrellas and a gazebo to the space. To beautify the garden, and artist painted a mural onsite. The nonprofit also hosted a community planting day, where volunteers planted fruit trees and pollinator-friendly plans and filled the garden beds with vegetables. Since creating the garden, volunteers continue to care for the space. The garden provides produce for local families, as well as ingredients for a weekly cooking program for older adults.

Brevard, NC

AARP Community Challenge Grant Year: 2022

Project Category: Community Gardens

Description: In Brevard's Rosenwald neighborhood, residents lacked access to fresh food and safe outdoor spaces. The city created a community garden with raised beds for older adults and children, added ADA-compliant benches and picnic tables and hosted events to engage neighbors. The garden now offers a place for healthy activity and social connection. One resident shared joy at gardening with her son, who has a brain injury, while another found comfort there after losing a partner.

Project description was created using generative AI and then reviewed for accuracy.