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Ho'olehua, HI
AARP Community Challenge Grant Year: 2026
Project Category: Community Gardens
Description: A fenced community garden area with raised beds and irrigation will be built for older residents. Accessible gardening will support food access, activity and shared growing spaces.
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.
Bristol, CO
AARP Community Challenge Grant Year: 2022
Project Category: Community Gardens
Description: Older adults in Bristol faced isolation and lacked accessible outdoor spaces for social interaction and wellness activities. The board created a vibrant outdoor area with ADA-compliant benches, raised garden beds and historical mural panels with QR codes. In addition, a digital historical repository and a veterans memorial were created, and LED lighting and signage were added to make the space safe and welcoming. The project fostered community pride and provided a gathering place for older adults and residents of all ages. It sparked interest in preserving local history and inspired plans for additional improvements, serving as a model for other rural towns.
Project description was created using generative AI and then reviewed for accuracy.
Nearby AARP Community Challenge Projects
Lihue, HI
AARP Community Challenge Grant Year: 2023
Project Category: Housing Design Competitions
Description: High housing costs in Lihue left older adults and families struggling for affordable options. Better Block Hawaii hosted a design competition for climate-resilient, age-friendly accessory dwelling units, engaging residents through workshops and a review committee. Eight submissions were received, and winning designs were published in a free booklet to guide future builds. "This is a home I can imagine living in," said one attendee at the community open house. The project raised awareness of ADUs as a practical solution for housing and supplemental income and sparked interest in similar efforts across Hawaii.
Project description was created using generative AI and then reviewed for accuracy.
Lihue, HI
AARP Community Challenge Grant Year: 2025
Project Category: Park enhancements
Description: Kauai Senior Citizens Softball Association addressed safety risks at shared county ballparks where worn surfaces, damaged fencing and aging facilities put older adult players at risk. With the limited public resources prioritized elsewhere, volunteer teams stepped in to make the fields safer. The association coordinated repairs at three parks, painting dugouts and scorer booths, fixing fencing and improving infield surfaces at home plate and bases. Materials were secured for permanent safety upgrades that support regular play. The work reduced tripping hazards and improved field conditions for older adult leagues while strengthening collaboration with youth associations that also use the parks. These partnerships set the stage for continued upkeep and safer shared use across seasons, helping players stay active and engaged in a setting that depends on safe, playable fields.
Project description was created using generative AI and then reviewed for accuracy.
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