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.

Superior, AZ

AARP Community Challenge Grant Year: 2025

Project Category: Community Gardens

Description: Older adults in Superior lacked a safe, comfortable outdoor space where they could gather, learn and help grow food, especially during months of extreme heat. Regeneration Sonora addressed this by adding a durable shade structure, solar lighting and new gardening tools at the community microfarm. This made the space more usable during hot days and safer during evening events. These upgrades supported regular gatherings and hands-on garden activities that encouraged older adults to participate more often. At the unveiling, residents age 50-plus prepared food, joined music and took part in the celebration, showing renewed engagement. The improvements now support ongoing classes, unplanned visits and year-round programming that help older adults stay connected and involved.

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

Cleveland, OH

AARP Community Challenge Grant Year: 2018

Project Category: Community Gardens

Description: The Cuyahoga Metropolitan Housing Authority saw an opportunity to revitalize an abandoned volleyball court behind one of their public housing buildings, creating a space to bring residents together and address social isolation. Using input from the residents of Riverview Tower, an apartment building for low-income older adults, they created a garden where residents can grow their own fruits and vegetables. The garden has places to sit and features accessibility features for residents with mobility challenges. Additionally, the space includes sensory areas, which allow visitors to smell, touch and taste herbs, fruits and berries.